A company has been charged after a workplace fire allegedly caused by a static electricity discharge during the transfer of dangerous goods.
According to WorkSafe, the fire occurred while dangerous goods were being decanted from an intermediate bulk container (IBC) into a 20-litre drum. Investigators allege that a build-up of static electricity ignited flammable vapours during the transfer process, resulting in the fire.
ACB Group Pty Ltd now faces three charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for allegedly failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment. The company also faces two charges under section 31(1) of the Dangerous Goods Act for allegedly failing to take all reasonable precautions as the occupier of premises where dangerous goods are manufactured and stored.
WorkSafe alleges the company failed to provide and maintain safe systems of work, and also failed to provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to workers involved in handling dangerous goods.
In addition, it is alleged that the company failed to take all reasonable precautions to prevent a fire or explosion and to prevent damage to property resulting from an accident involving dangerous goods.
The case serves as a timely reminder that the transfer and decanting of flammable liquids presents significant ignition risks if appropriate controls are not in place. Proper bonding and earthing of containers, the use of suitable transfer equipment, effective worker training, and documented safe operating procedures are critical measures for preventing static electricity from igniting flammable vapours.
Lupin Chemical Management helps organisations significantly reduce the risk of chemical fires by ensuring hazardous chemicals are correctly identified, classified, stored and managed throughout their entire lifecycle. The system provides instant access to the latest Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), maintains accurate chemical registers, identifies dangerous goods classifications, highlights storage incompatibilities, and assists organisations in implementing safe handling procedures. By giving workers immediate access to critical safety information, Lupin helps ensure that flammable liquids are transferred, stored and used in accordance with Australian regulatory requirements and industry best practice.
In incidents such as a fire caused by a static electricity discharge during the decanting of dangerous goods, Lupin Chemical Management can play an important preventative role. The software enables organisations to identify chemicals that require specialised handling, prompts appropriate risk assessments, documents safe operating procedures, and ensures workers receive the correct information and training before undertaking hazardous tasks. Combined with proper engineering controls—such as bonding and earthing of containers, explosion-proof equipment, adequate ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipment—Lupin Chemical Management helps businesses build a proactive safety culture that reduces the likelihood of fires, protects workers and property, and supports ongoing compliance with Australian workplace health and safety legislation.
The matter is scheduled for a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 9 July 2026. The charges have not been proven and will be determined by the Court.