Labourer burned in forklift fire (30 March 2022)
A 62-year-old labourer suffered burn injuries to his face and hands while using a forklift to dip scaffold components into a large skip bin filled with paint and thinners. The forklift came into contact with the skip bin, which may have caused a spark, resulting in fire engulfing the skip bin and causing extensive damage to the forklift.
Incident scene (photo source 9 news).
Safety Information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working with flammable liquids whilst painting scaffold components.
Ensure:
- a risk assessment is performed before any work is undertaken
- current safety data sheets (SDS) are obtained for all chemicals used and they are readily available to workers and all workers understand the relevant information
- instruction, training, and supervision is provided to all workers on the safe use, storage, and handling of hazardous chemicals
- appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is used for the task
- forklift operators hold valid high risk work licences (HRWL) - class LF
- potential ignition sources are considered, for example plant, electrical leads, portable generators
- intrinsically safe plant and equipment are used
- consideration of the receptacle/container being used to store paint and thinners for dipping scaffolding components
Related guidance material
- Flammable substances - SafeWork NSW
- Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace - SafeWork Australia
- Managing risks of exposure to solvents in the workplace - SafeWork SA
- High risk work licenses information – SafeWork NSW
- Forklift safety information – SafeWork NSW