Chemical Safety at Work - The Podcast

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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. 

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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. 

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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
• AS 4332:2004
• The ADG Code
• BOC - Guidelines for Cylinder Safety

Listen now and learn how to prevent the next disaster.

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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. 

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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.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

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🔥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 topics you'd like us to cover, send us a message.

🎧 Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts. 

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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. 

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 

#batteryfire #lithiumbattery #dangerousgoods #testing #workplacesafety #whs #podcast #storemasta #safety 

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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 dangerous goods storage requirements
🔹 The growing skills shortage in the DG industry—and what it means for safety
🔹 The most common compliance gaps (and how to fix them!)

With regulators taking a more proactive approach, understanding your compliance obligations has never been more critical. Tune in now for expert insights that could save your business from costly mistakes!

🎧 Listen now wherever you listen to podcasts!

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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 fires are so difficult to extinguish. Plus, we share expert-backed safety tips to help you minimise risks at home and in the workplace. 

Whether you’re a WHS professional, a business owner handling battery-powered equipment, or simply concerned about fire safety, this episode will give you the knowledge to stay ahead of this growing hazard. 

🔥 Stay informed, stay safe—listen now! 

🧑‍🚒 Discover FRNSW' resources here: FRNSW Website , FRNSW Battery Resources Page

🔎 Learn from Storemasta's lithium-ion battery safety blogs here: HERE

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! 

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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 to mixed classes and segregation rules, and the role of new technology and software in managing risk.

Whether you’re a WHS professional, a business owner handling dangerous goods, or simply interested in chemical safety, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you improve workplace safety and compliance.

🔎 Discover RiskCon Engineering here

🤝 Connect with Renton on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen now!