Safety warning after Queensland worker suffers burn injuries in chemical blast

WorkSafe Queensland has recently issued a safety warning after a worker suffered multiple burns in an explosion at a marine maintenance facility.

WorkSafe Queensland said the worker was undertaking fibreglass repair work inside the hull of a boat using acetone, when a nearby heat gun ignited vapours generated by the acetone resulting in an explosion.

Investigations into the November 2021 incident are ongoing, according to WorkSafe.

“Workers and others may suffer serious injury or even die as a result of fire and explosion, while there also likely damage to property," WorkSafe said.

WorkSafe said there is real danger when fuel (a flammable or combustible substance), oxygen (usually in the air) and ignition (a source of energy sufficient to cause ignition)come together (commonly referred to as the fire triangle).

For possible control measures to prevent similar incidents, go to WorkSafe Queensland website.