A safety alert has been issued after plastic water bottles left in the sun sparked a fire.
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The incident occurred when the bottles left on a pallet in the sun ignited nearby cardboard packing material.
Investigations identified the probable ignition source as sunlight that had refracted through the clear bottles, SafeWork SA said.
"The heat created caused the plastic water bottles to melt and partially burnt the cardboard and wooden pallet," the safety authority said.
"Workers on site promptly spotted the fire and extinguished it before it spread or caused injury."
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While the blaze occurred at a South Australian mine site, SafeWork SA urged all businesses to be aware of fire risks caused by sunlight refracting through transparent bottles containing clear liquids.
"The risk of fires sparked by refracted light are well documented, particularly in the mining industry," SafeWork said.
Since July 2020, 29 similar incidents were reported to WorkSafe Mines Safety in Western Australia.
The majority of these reported incidents involved transparent plastic bottles filled with water being stored in direct sunlight.
Safety tips for clear fluids
- Unload transparent bottles containing clear liquid in an undercover or shaded area
- Store transparent bottles containing clear liquid in an undercover, enclosed or shaded area where sunlight cannot shine through the bottles
- Cover transparent bottles containing clear liquids if they are exposed to direct sunlight
- Store clear drink bottles in vehicles away from direct sunlight.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
