Vic business fined after tank container fire

Vic Business Fined After Tank Container Fire

A Victorian industrial equipment supplier has been fined $41,500 for safety breaches following a tank container fire at Derrimut in 2019.

The company was sentenced in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to three charges of breaching work health and safety laws. This case, similar to when a Vic motoring club got fined after a fatal crash, highlights how courts continue cracking down on workplace safety failures across Victoria.

What Happened During the Tank Refurbishment Work

Court proceedings heard that in May 2019, a third-year apprentice and another worker were undertaking refurbishment work in an ISO tank previously used to hold diesel.

An oxygen-acetylene torch was used to cut into the tank's internal walls. As work continued, flames were noticed on the floor of the tank.

One worker managed to escape, but the apprentice fell, hitting his elbow and sliding to the bottom of the tank. The apprentice was pulled out by the other worker.

WorkSafe was not notified of the incident. The following month, inspectors visited the workplace after receiving an anonymous tip-off, prompting further investigation into how the tank fire occurred.

WorkSafe's Response to the Confined Space Fire

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said employers know the dangers of working in confined spaces.

"Poor ventilation, toxic gases and fire are just some of the risks that can be faced when undertaking this kind of work," Dr Beer said.

"Employers and supervisors have to be on high alert when it comes to safety of their workers in confined spaces, and clear, comprehensive procedures along with proper training and instruction need to be provided."

Why Confined Space Work Demands Strict Safety Procedures

Tanks and other confined spaces present unique hazards that ordinary workplaces don't face. Flammable residue, limited oxygen, and restricted exit points can turn routine refurbishment work into a life-threatening emergency within seconds.

Businesses operating tanks, silos, or similar vessels must ensure workers hold proper qualifications, follow documented safe work procedures, and have rescue plans ready before entry begins. Regulators such as WorkSafe Victoria and Safe Work Australia provide detailed guidance on managing these risks appropriately.

Companies seeking to strengthen their compliance position can review resources like our Stormwater Tank Installation SWMS, which outlines safe procedures for tank-related tasks, or our Fire Extinguisher Use Instructions for guidance on fire response readiness.

Related Safety Enforcement News

This isn't an isolated case in Victoria's industrial sector. Other recent enforcement news includes a Vic company fined after a worker's hand was crushed in machinery, and another incident where a Vic company was fined after a worker's arm became trapped in a shredder. Together, these cases underscore a consistent pattern: inadequate safety systems put workers at serious risk.

For manufacturing and construction businesses, staying informed on safety news helps identify gaps before incidents occur. Our Manufacturing safety resources offer templates suited to hazardous work environments, including confined space entry and hot work procedures.

Key Takeaways for Employers

• Confined space work involving heat sources requires rigorous risk assessments before any cutting or welding begins.
• Incidents must be reported to WorkSafe promptly — failing to do so can result in additional charges, as seen in this case.
• Comprehensive training, supervision, and rescue planning are non-negotiable for tank and vessel work.
• Regular health and safety audits help identify hazards that standard inspections might overlook.

Businesses wanting further support in reviewing their safety documentation can visit our support page for tailored guidance, or explore our Business Improvement Policy to strengthen broader compliance frameworks.

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