According to Safework, exposure to chemicals is 100% preventable. Reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals at work is essential to creating a healthy, safe & productive workplace. It is also a key focus area in the Work Health & Safety Roadmap 2022. Workers that were exposed to hazardous chemicals has recent resulted in the conviction and company fine of $110,000.
Viva Energy Refining Pty Ltd is in the business of oil refinery, producing and manufacturing various products from crude oil.
Hydrofluoric acid, a colourless and highly corrosive chemical used in producing avgas and petrol, is checked twice weekly for water content and acidity. On 5 November and 4 December 2017, leaks exposed two workers to the acid.
The two workers wore Class A PPE, the minimum for acid work, though Class C PPE, air-feed hood, enclosed PVC suit, boots, layered gloves, and full respirator with oxygen—was required
Although Viva Energy Refining Pty Ltd satisfied these requirements in 2104, they have since reduced PPE requirements. Viva Energy Refining Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to safety failures and not notifying authorities, receiving fines of $100,000 and $10,000. There is another $11,458 fine for additional costs.
Source: The Canberra Times
Title: Acid exposure costs company $110,000
Read time: 7 mins