DMP is reminding people about dangerous goods safety in the community.
| Date: | Friday, 23 December 2016 |
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An exploding LP gas cylinder in Sydney that seriously injured two people and an incident involving pool chemicals which closed a street in Dalkeith and injured a pool maintenance worker are reminders of the risks from common dangerous goods.
Department of Mines and Petroleum Principal Dangerous Goods Officer Peter Xanthis said even household quantities of dangerous goods presented potentially deadly risks.
“As the weather warms up, we do see an increase in the amount of these dangerous goods being transported by people in the community,” Mr Xanthis said.
“That’s why it is important the community is aware of some common safety tips for transporting these products.”
The department has important safety information for transporting dangerous goods such as pool chemicals and LP gas cylinders on its website.
“If LP gas leaks from a cylinder inside a vehicle, it can form an explosive fuel and air mixture,” Mr Xanthis said.
“If there is an ignition source, this mixture can then explode and injure, or even kill, the driver and passengers.”
Improper transport of pool chemicals can also create a potentially deadly situation. Before transporting pool chemicals, the packaging should be checked to ensure it is in good condition and there are no leaks
“If pool chemicals mix, one of the possible by-products is chlorine gas—which can irritate the nose and throat,” Mr Xanthis said.
“Chlorine gas is toxic and the consequences can be fatal.”
The department has further information regarding transporting common dangerous goods on its website.
