Company fined $550,000 after Bayswater cylinder explosion

A company has been fined $550,000 after being found guilty of two charges under the occupational health and safety act after a worker driving along Mountain Highway in Bayswater had two gas cylinders explode.

Supagas was fined without conviction $275,000 for failing to provide a safe system of work and $275,000 for failing to ensure persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks arising from their conduct following a three-week jury trial in the Melbourne County Court.

Worksafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said the incident should serve as a warning to others using gas cylinders as a part of their business.

“Whether you’re a supplier, contractor or tradie, it’s critical to have proper procedures in place for the safe handling and transporting of highly flammable chemicals like acetylene gas,” Dr Beer said.

“The consequences of not putting health and safety first when it comes to dangerous goods can be catastrophic, not only for you and your workers but also for members of the public.”

The courts heard that the worker was driving along Mountain Highway when the two gas cylinders, which he had picked up from a nearby Supagas store and containing acetylene and oxygen, exploded.

The worker now requires the use of a wheelchair and suffers from memory loss as a result of multiple traumatic, physical and mental injuries. Nearby cars, houses and power lines were damaged in the explosion, with debris being sent flying up to 200 metres away.

An investigation found the explosion’s likely cause was the ignition of an acetylene vapour and air mixture in the Ute’s fully enclosed and sealed rear compartment, where the unsealed cylinders were placed on their side rather than upright.

Supagas was found not guilty on a third charge of failing to provide information, instruction or training to enable employees to work safely.

New Sector Engineering Pty Ltd, the employer of the worker and owner of the ute, was previously separately convicted and fined $300,000 after pleading guilty to two charges in April 2020.