WorkSafe Victoria has issued a safety alert about the dangers of transporting gas cylinders in tool of trade (TOT) vehicles after an employee was seriously injured by an explosion in a TOT vehicle. The employee was carrying flammable gas cylinders in the vehicle, which hay have caused the explosion.
The Dangerous Goods (Transport by Road or Rail) Regulations 2018 have concessions for the transport of certain types and quantities of dangerous goods within TOT vehicles. The concessions allow tradespeople to transport size-limited quantities of dangerous goods that are used in the commission of their trade – e.g. oxy-acetylene for welding.
Explosions can occur when gas from oxy-acetylene or LPG cylinders leak into the vehicle and form an explosive fuel / air mix, which is then ignited by a spark from the vehicle’s electrical system, or from a lit cigarette or an electrostatic charge.
- Recommended ways to control the risks of gas explosions in TOT vehicles –
- Install a gas cabinet which is securely mounted, with vapour-tight sealing
- Securely restrain gas cylinders in an upright position on the floor
- Remove regulators
- Close cylinder valves and use safety caps
- Empty all gas hoses
- Remove cylinders from vehicle before use
- Carry a fire extinguisher
- Do not smoke near the vehicle
Read more: Gas cylinder explosion in tool of trade vehicle | WorkSafe Victoria