SafeWork SA issues storage drums warning following fire incidents

Following two separate incidents of explosive fires that led to significant burns among workers, SafeWork SA has alerted employers to the risks involved in cutting into previously used storage drums.

According to SafeWork SA, the drums involved in both recent incidents had formerly contained flammable materials, but they had been empty for a considerable period.

SafeWork SA is encouraging both employers and employees to pause, reflect, and evaluate the risks prior to making any modifications to a previously used storage drum.

The workplace safety authority advises that even drums that have been empty for an extended duration may still hold residual materials or vapours and should not be subjected to heat exposure.

“The heat and sparks from tools can cause a fire, explosion or release of hazardous vapours. Rinsing drums with water or other cleaning substances does not eliminate the risk,” SafeWork SA stated.

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