A young worker suffered serious burns to his hands and face from an explosion. He was draining paint and residue from an aerosol can into a drum when the explosion occurred. A possible source of ignition was static electricity coming into contact with flammable gases and vapours.

The accident happened at a dryland log sorting operation. The aerosol paint is used to mark logs. When emptied, any residue left in the cans is drained into a drum using a specially designed aerosol can evacuator. The evacuator is mounted on the bung of a waste drum and a handle is lowered that punctures the can, draining the waste into the drum. The new can evacuator had been installed just prior to the accident. To guard against static electricity, a bonding/grounding cable had been supplied with the machine; however, it was not connected. There is also a possibility that grit under the can may have created a sparking effect —similar to a flint— when the metal can came into contact with the metal drum. There is also evidence that an explosive atmosphere existed in the storage shed prior to the accident.

Safe work practices:

• Employers, ensure the adequate instruction of workers in the safe performance of their duties.
• Guard against static electricity. Install all grounding devices, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Ventilate and test any area or space where a harmful atmosphere may exist.
• Eliminate or control all sources of ignition.