The Resources Regulator has issued a safety video and report, offering workers and mine operators advice surrounding the use of empty containers and disposal of them, as well as manufacturers, importers and suppliers of substances advice about their duties.
A subcontracted worker was performing maintenance work at Northparkes’ processing plant during a planned shutdown on 4 April 2023.
The work involved use of an angle grinder to cut and remove the top of a used, and believed to be empty, 1,000 litre plastic intermediate bulk container (IBC), so that it could be used as a waste bin during the maintenance works.
During the process of cutting the IBC the worker heard a loud whoosh, moved back from the IBC and felt immense heat to the front of his body.
Two other subcontracted workers immediately assisted the first worker by removing his shirt.
The first worker suffered serious burns to his arm and minor burns to his face and chest and a second worker sustained a minor burn to his hand.
Following the acceptance of a WHS undertaking, the Regulator has developed an animation and report to help educate workers to help avoid similar future incidents.
Northparkes is also delivering a training package, which will be presented at various industry forums and seminars.
Read the full report (PDF, 385.88 KB)and watch the video.
