Company fined after explosion

AN explosion linked to the storage of chemicals has cost a Dandenong business $50,000 after it was convicted in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court prior to Christmas.
Three men suffered minor injuries after an explosion at David Street business Hoerbiger Australia on 10 August, 2004.
The men were released from hospital the same day, but the explosion prompted an investigation by government agency WorkSafe into the storage of chemicals.
The court heard in December that investigations found a machine was being cleaned with a solvent while a smaller machine was being operated just prior to the blast.
It is believed several people were working in the room, and had exited it just prior to the explosion.
WorkSafe said the explosion damaged two roller doors and forced two concrete tilt panels out of alignment.
The lapping room and mezzanine floor above the explosion were also severely damaged.
After the investigation, the business was subsequently charged with failure to provide a safe plant and systems of work, and failure to provide information, instruction, training and supervision as was necessary to employees.
Hoerbiger Australia manufactures internal parts for process gas compressors and uses lapping machines to polish surfaces and give a high-quality finish to products.
WorkSafe investigators told the court there was also solvent in an open wash rinse tank, a bucket and other open containers, and two 200-litre drums of solvent stored in the lapping room.
WorkSafe executive director John Merritt said it was essential for businesses to properly store chemicals and ventilate rooms to prevent explosions from occurring.