WorkSafe issued a reminder to owners of distress signals (also known as flares) about requirements to dispose of them correctly after a 64-year-old man seriously injured his hand and lost four fingers after he found a discarded distress signal in a hard waste bin in Heyfield. It is believed that the flare had passed its expiry date and malfunctioned when the man discharged it at a local park.
Distress signals contain a small amount of explosive charge and when activated burn at very high temperatures. They are most commonly used on marine vessels for use in emergency situations and are not designed to be used in public areas on land or let off towards people or buildings.
WorkSafe advise on how to safely store, use and dispose of distress signals and highlights the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2022, which requires a person disposing of distress signals must take all reasonable precautions to ensure a safe disposal method. Failure to comply with such duty is an offence and may lead to significant financial penalties.
Expired distress signals can be handed in to a local Victoria Police Station or returned to the place of purchase, if the retailer allows.
Man loses fingers after discharging abandoned flare | WorkSafe Victoria
