Safety Reminder: Avoid Burn Injuries While Refuelling Portable Equipment

WorkSafe Victoria has issued an important reminder around the serious risks associated with refuelling portable petrol-powered equipment. This is due to several incidents where multiple workers have sustained burns after petrol vapours ignited during refuelling. This was involving equipment like pressure washers, pumps, and generators. Alarmingly, one of these cases involved a ute-mounted vacuum unit and vehicle being destroyed when petrol vapours ignited from static electricity. 

Refuelling portable petrol-powered equipment creates vapours that are highly flammable and easily ignited by hot surfaces or static electricity. Incidents such as these, can result in severe injuries or even fatalities, emphasising the importance of having preventive measures in place.

Safety Precautions to Minimise Risks

To reduce the risk of injury when using petrol-powered equipment, follow these safety guidelines:

• Assess Equipment Necessity: Before using petrol-powered tools, consider whether an electric or diesel alternative is available and practical.
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• Implement Safe Refuelling Practices:

1. Avoid refuelling in low-lying areas where vapours can accumulate.
2. Do not refuel inside a vehicle or on surfaces that prevent the discharge of static electricity, such as plastic.
3. Ensure fire extinguishers are easily and readily accessible during the refuelling process.
4. Educate workers about hazards and precautions to take.
5. Allow equipment to cool down before refuelling, as petrol ignites at 280°C.
6. Refuel in well-ventilated areas on firm ground, away from heat and ignition sources.
7. Properly ground any ute or trailer-mounted equipment before refuelling.
8. Use only UN-approved containers for storing fuel; do not use drink bottles or other unapproved containers.

Legal Obligations Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

Employers and others involved in workplace safety have varying responsibilities under Part 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act). Some of these responsibilities include ensuring health and safety, so far as is reasonably practicable, across all aspects of workplace operations.

All employers, employees, manufacturers, designers, and suppliers share the responsibility of maintaining a safe work environment. This means they are required to take all reasonable precautions to eliminate or reduce risks. Employers also need to ensure that risks relating to dangerous goods are being managed effectively. This may include controlling spills, minimising static electricity, and ensuring the compatibility of equipment.

Designers of plant and equipment need to ensure that equipment is designed with safety in mind and minimise the risks associated with its use. Manufacturers and suppliers need to make sure that the plant and substances they are providing are safe to use and meet all safety standards.

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone from employers to employees must actively engage in identifying and mitigating risks. By following best practices for refuelling portable equipment and adhering to the legal obligations set out in the OHS Act we can prevent accidents, protect lives, and maintain a safe working environment.

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Sources

General duties relating to health and safety: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 - By Work Safe Victoria

Workers sustain burns after petrol vapours ignite while refuelling portable equipment - By Work Safe Victoria

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