SafeWork SA is reminding businesses that handle chemicals to ensure the equipment is compatible with the substances being handled.

This reminder comes after an incident in January where a worker suffered chemical burns. The worker had been decanting an acidic liquid. When the plastic tap on the drum was seen to be leaking, an attempt was made to tighten it. The assembly failed, causing acid to spill onto the worker, who suffered chemical burns on their arms and legs.

The seal of the tap was found to be incompatible with the chemical being decanted, which contributed to the incident.

SafeWork SA reminds businesses to ensure that:

• equipment used for handling chemicals is suitable for the chemical being handled;
• a safe system of work is established for handling chemicals, including emergency procedures; and
• workers are adequately trained and inducted.