Send us a text 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 r...

Send us a text 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 fo...

Send us a text 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...

Send us a text 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 source...

Send us a text 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 tooHow to tell if your chemical is high, medium, or low dangerWhere to quickly find pa...

Send us a text 🔥In this week's episode we break down five real-world incidents where chemical fires and explosions occurred and share five ways you can reduce risk in your workplace. These incidents can be catastrophic, causing injuries, fatalities, and major damage to businesses, communities, and the environment. We also discuss packing groups (PG1, PG2, PG3) which determine storage requirements for flammable liquids 💬 Subscribe and leave us a review, and if you have any questions or topic...

Send us a text The Storemasta team recently conducted a battery fire test, blowing up a high-powered drill battery in an 18-outlet Battery Charging Cabinet. Following the test, Mel sat down with CEO Caleb Urquhart and Pat, who was part of the testing team, to discuss how the test came together, the results, what it means for the company and the broader industry. Watch the full test video on the Storemasta YouTube channel to find out what went down when the battery went up in flames. ...

Send us a text Navigating the Future of Dangerous Goods Compliance with David Irvine The dangerous goods industry is evolving—are you keeping up? In this episode, we sit down with David Irvine, Director and Principal Consultant at Dangerous Goods Network and DG Trainer, to unpack the biggest changes in compliance and safety. We dive into: 🔹 AI and digital transformation in DG compliance 🔹 The rising penalties and industrial manslaughter laws affecting businesses 🔹 How insurers are reshaping...

Send us a text In this episode of Chemical Safety at Work, we dive into the fastest-growing fire risk in Australia—lithium-ion battery fires. With data from Fire and Rescue NSW and shocking recent incidents from across the country and beyond, we explore why battery fires are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more dangerous. We break down key statistics, including the alarming rise in lithium-ion battery-related fires, real-world cases of devastating explosions, and why these fir...

Send us a text In this episode of Chemical Safety at Work, we’re joined by Renton Parker, Director of RiskCon Engineering, to discuss key issues in dangerous goods safety. Renton shares insights on the biggest risks facing Australian businesses, the importance of knowledge and education in managing hazardous chemicals, and real-world incidents that highlight the consequences of poor safety practices. We also explore how businesses can stay compliant with evolving regulations, recent updates t...

Send us a textDive into the complexities of chemical safety in the energy sector with Adam Rosevear, WHS Partner at Hydro Tasmania. In this episode, Adam unpacks Hydro Tasmania’s cutting-edge approach to safety management, from tackling chemical and oil-related risks to navigating the rise of psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Discover the tools, strategies, and cultural shifts driving Hydro Tasmania’s safety success, and learn actionable insights to elevate your organization’s safety pra...

Send us a text 🪫Can we truly achieve a sustainable future without addressing the hazards of battery disposal? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Katharine Hole, CEO of the Association for the Battery Recycling Industry, as she unpacks the complex landscape of battery recycling. From the surging relevance of lithium batteries to the enduring significance of lead-acid variants, Katharine guides us through the intricate world of battery management and recycling. Her expertise provi...

Send us a text🎙️ Emergency Decontamination: Best Practices for Workplace SafetyIn this episode of Chemical Safety at Work, hosts Mel Hampton and Pat Gee dive into the critical topic of emergency decontamination. From safety showers to eyewash stations, they explore how to prepare your workplace for potential chemical exposure incidents and ensure compliance with Australian standards like AS4775.🛠️ Key Takeaways:What is emergency decontamination, and why is it crucial?Essential equipment: safe...

Send us a textExploring Battery Safety and Innovation with Ryan Hammond of Sealed Performance In this episode of Chemical Safety at Work, we’re joined by Ryan Hammond, Director and Electrical Engineer at Sealed Performance Batteries (SPB), to delve into the critical world of battery safety, testing, and innovation. With expertise spanning automotive, industrial, and renewable energy sectors, Ryan shares invaluable insights into battery technology and its implications for workplace safety...

Send us a textIn this episode of Chemical Safety at Work™, we are joined by Gary Kent, an experienced hazardous areas and high voltage auditor, and Specialized Services Manager at Tolk Group. With decades of experience spanning the oil, gas, and mining industries, Gary shares his in-depth knowledge of managing dangerous goods in complex and high-risk work environments. From understanding the critical differences between flammable and combustible liquids to navigating the nuanced cha...

Send us a textIn this episode of Chemical Safety at Work, hosts Mel and Pat dive into a counterintuitive but crucial topic—the dangers that linger in so-called “empty” chemical containers and gas cylinders. When chemicals are removed, is the risk gone too? Far from it. Mel and Pat uncover why these seemingly “empty” containers can still ignite fires, cause explosions, or release harmful vapours. They explore incidents where mishandling empty containers led to accidents and share pra...

Send us a textIn this episode of Chemical Safety at Work, hosts Mel and Pat sit down with Nick Schatz, Storemasta's innovative Product Designer, to explore how new products are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses handling dangerous goods in Australia. Nick shares insights into the entire design process—from market research to prototyping—and how Storemasta balances innovation with compliance to Australian standards. Discover the latest safety-enhancing innovations, lik...

Send us a textIn this episode, we chat with Dan Amor, Director of WHS Rescue, a consultancy specialising in work health and safety (WHS) compliance. Dan shares his journey in the dangerous goods safety industry and how WHS Rescue adapts to meet the needs of clients across agriculture, construction, and government sectors.He highlights the importance of safe storage practices for hazardous materials, particularly in agriculture, where large volumes of chemicals and fuels present unique challen...

Send us a textIn this episode of Chemical Safety at Work, we sit down with Jason Costa, President of the Australasian Institute of Dangerous Goods Consultants (AIDGC) and a risk engineer at Riskcon Engineering. Jason shares his journey into dangerous goods consulting, insights on hazardous chemical management, and the importance of industry standards. We also dive into recent case studies and discuss emerging risks, such as lithium-ion battery fires. Whether you're a safety off...

Send us a textIn this episode of "Chemical Safety at Work," we're joined by Paul Hands, a dangerous goods storage consultant from Storemasta, to discuss the often-overlooked dangers lurking in everyday workplace chemicals. From paints and solvents to corrosives and gases, Paul shares real-life examples and practical advice on how to ensure your workplace stays compliant and safe. Learn how to identify hidden risks and implement effective chemical safety measures today.Got a chemical safety co...