Background
In the past few years, multiple workers have been injured while working with vehicle fuel tanks.
In December 2018, there was a major fire at a metal recycling facility in Smithfield that required a Fire & Rescue NSW road retrieval team and helicopter. Two workers were seriously burned and had to be transported to hospital for treatment. Other workers were treated on-site for smoke inhalation.
Key considerations
- Autogas and petrol are highly flammable substances and a small spark can be all it takes to ignite a tank and lead to a serious fire and/or explosion. Tanks containing either substance should be removed and stored far away from any ignition sources.
- Dismantling vehicles is dangerous work and we cannot overstate the importance of having the correct systems in place to limit the risks.
- Vehicles should not be crushed if there are fuel tanks or fuel systems still attached to the vehicle.
Actions Required
- Workplaces should have effective emergency procedures in place and train all staff in the emergency procedures.
- Only workers trained and competent in the handling of Autogas should work on vehicle fuel systems - this includes a licensed gas fitter if removing an Autogas system.