Worker suffers flash burns (12 November 2021)
A 34 year-old worker was injured while working on the balcony of a townhouse in Botany.
A temporary plastic canopy was installed over the balcony to act as a rain barrier. The worker was undertaking waterproofing at the time using a highly flammable solvent-based contact adhesive, membrane sheets and a hot air tool. An open plastic bucket containing the decanted adhesive ignited, and remained on fire, resulting in second to third degree burns to both legs of the worker. Parts of the balcony, including the plastic canopy, caught on fire.
Location of the incident
Balcony where the fire took place
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working with hazardous chemicals and when conducting hot work activities.
When conducting hot work activities:
- implement a hot work permit which includes a detailed review to identify all potential hazards associated with the proposed hot work activity and to eliminate the hazards,or where this is not reasonably practicable control the resulting risks
- identify and remove any possible flammable or combustible materials in the area,including rubbish, paper or dust that could be potential fuel sources or produce dust explosions
- ensure the area is not a confined space
- ensure the area is adequately ventilated
- ensure adequate firefighting equipment is available and ready for use
- utilise a fire watch person to monitor the hot work environment
- provide training to workers about the hazards associated with hot works, the use of the hot work permit system and emergency planning
- ensure workers are wearing appropriate non-flammable personal protective equipment.
When working with hazardous chemicals:
- identify the physical and health hazards of chemicals at work before first use. Inform and train workers in safe use, following manufacturer’s instructions or instructions on the Safety Data Sheet
- remove ignition sources from hazardous areas
- substitute a highly flammable liquid with one that is less flammable or combustible
- ensure ventilation is adequate to avoid the creation of a hazardous atmosphere
- physically separate hazardous chemicals from any chemicals or other things that may be incompatible
- distance workers from hazardous chemicals and any potential hazards generated by their use
- use intrinsically safe electrical equipment - consider whether the hazardous chemicals can generate flammable or explosive atmospheres, and ensure that any equipment being used, like stirrers, is safe.