Chemical Safety at Work - The Podcast

Ep.30: Spontaneously Combustible Substances: The Fire Risk You Didn't See Coming

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2313450/open_sms] Some chemicals don’t need a flame to catch fire — just exposure to air.  In this episode, Patrick Gee unpacks the hidden dangers of Class 4.2 spontaneously combustible substances — and what it takes to store and handle them safely.  You’ll learn:  * The difference between pyrophoric and self-heating substances  * How Packing Groups classify danger levels  * The strict cabinet requirements under AS/NZS 5026  * What signage and ventilation systems are legally required  * Why training and risk assessments are non-negotiable  Whether it’s white phosphorus or aluminium alkyls, this episode breaks down how to control one of the most underestimated fire risks in the workplace.  🎧 Subscribe now to keep your dangerous goods knowledge sharp and your team safe.

Ep. 27: Understanding Flammable Liquids – It’s Not Just the Fire You See

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2313450/open_sms] When it comes to Class 3 Flammable Liquids, it’s not the liquid itself that burns — it’s the vapours. And once they’re in the air, the risk multiplies.  In this episode, Patrick Gee breaks down:  * Why flammable vapours pose the real danger  * Flash point, flashback, explosive range and auto-ignition  * The health risks of common flammable liquids like petrol, acetone, and benzene  * How vapour exposure can affect workers — and the environment  * What to look for in your Safety Data Sheet (SDS)  * The right way to store, segregate, and secure flammable liquids  Whether you're managing petrol, methylated spirits or solvents, this episode helps you go beyond the basics to understand the full risk — and what to do about it.  🎧 Subscribe for more straight-talking advice on dangerous goods safety.

Ep. 25: Case Study: Injury and Fines When Gas Cylinder Transport Goes Wrong

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2313450/open_sms] A devastating explosion. A life forever changed. And a powerful reminder of the risks that come with unsafe gas cylinder transport. In this episode of Chemical Safety at Work, Mel and Pat examine the tragic 2017 incident in Bayswater, Victoria, where an acetylene cylinder exploded in the back of a customer’s ute—leaving him with catastrophic injuries and leading to a major WorkSafe prosecution. Tune in as we break down: * The system failures that led to the explosion. * What AS 4332:2004 says about gas cylinder storage and transport. * Why ventilation, cylinder orientation, and vehicle suitability matter. * The court’s findings and what suppliers must do to fulfil their duty of care. * How everyday practices can have devastating consequences if safety is overlooked. This case isn’t just about workplace risk—it’s about the responsibility we all share to protect workers, customers, and the public. 🔗 Show notes include links to: * The official WorkSafe case summary [https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2023-02/new-fines-after-bayswater-gas-explosion] * AS 4332:2004 [https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-4332-2004] * The ADG Code [https://www.ntc.gov.au/sites/default/files/assets/files/Australian-Code-for-the-Transport-of-Dangerous-Goods-by-Road%26Rail-7.4.pdf] * BOC - Guidelines for Cylinder Safety [https://media.nrspp.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06011806/BOC-Guidelines-for-Gas-Cylinder-Safety-AUSTRALIA-NO-RRP-FA-web_tcm351-82369.pdf] Listen now and learn how to prevent the next disaster.

Ep. 24: Ignition Sources: What You Don’t See Could Start a Fire

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2313450/open_sms] What’s the most overlooked fire risk when working with Class 3 Flammable Liquids? The answer is ignition sources — and they’re not always obvious.  In this episode, Patrick breaks down:  * What ignition sources really are (it’s more than open flames)  * Where they’re hiding in your workplace  * The four main types: thermal, electrical, mechanical, and chemical  * How to control risk using distance, signage, and training  * What AS 1940 says about ignition sources and cabinet safety  Ignition sources can be silent, invisible — and devastating. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Listen now and learn how to spot and stop the spark before it starts.  Listen now wherever you listen to podcasts.   🎧 Subscribe and share to help keep Aussie workplaces safe and compliant.

Ep. 23: Packing Groups Explained – How Dangerous Is Your Flammable Liquid?

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2313450/open_sms] Not all flammable liquids are created equal — and the packing group assigned to your chemical tells you exactly how dangerous it really is. In this episode of Chemical Safety at Work, Patrick Gee breaks down what you must know about packing groups to stay compliant, avoid fines, and protect your workplace. Find out: * Why packing groups aren’t just about transport — they’re critical for storage too * How to tell if your chemical is high, medium, or low danger * Where to quickly find packing group info on your SDS * How packing groups impact your minor storage limits and separation distances * What happens if you get it wrong (hint: it’s serious) If you’re storing, handling, or transporting dangerous goods — this is information you can’t afford to miss. Read the blog here [https://blog.storemasta.com.au/packing-groups-for-flammable-liquids]. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.