2/02/2008

News Item

Welding spark may have caused winery explosion: Workcover

A preliminary investigation by Workcover has found that a spark from a welder in an area where flammable liquids were being stored, may have caused last month's fatal explosion at the Drayton's winery in the Hunter Valley.

Workcover's preliminary investigation has indicated that welding work may have been carried out in an area where ethanol and other flammable liquids were being stored.

The explosion killed respected winemaker Trevor Drayton and boilermaker Eddie Orgo. Assistant winemaker William Rikard Bell suffered serious burns.

The incident has prompted a Workcover safety warning to the industry about the risk of fire and explosions in wine production.

Spokeswoman Jenny Thomas says employers have an obligation to carry out a thorough risk assessment at their wineries to protect workers.

"They should look at all the potential hazards around, including the use and storage of flammable materials," she said.

"[They need to] be particularly mindful of the kind of work undertaken near those things, such as welding grinding and any other hot work that might cause ignition."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/02/02/2152755.htm