The Resources Regulator has investigated two separate incidents involving water pumps resulting in operator injuries.
The first incident occurred whilst an operator was refilling a petrol-powered water pump. During refilling operations, excess fuel spilled onto the hot pump which ignited and caused a fire that engulfed the unit.
The water pump had been modified to hold additional fuel via a top-mounted polyethylene container.
The worker suffered minor burns to his right hand.
The second incident also occurred during fuel refilling of a petrol-powered water pump.
During the refuelling process, the pump ignited unexpectedly, resulting in a fire that engulfed the worker.
The worker was not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and suffered serious burns to his face, legs and hands, which required evacuation by helicopter and hospitalisation.
Both incidents occurred at NSW open-cut quarries in late 2024.
The Regulator has provided a detailed overview of both incidents including findings and recommendations.
Read the reports:
