A child’s hands reportedly caught fire when he touched a plasma ball shortly after using hand sanitizer at a popular science and technology attraction.
The alleged incident took place in July 2022 at the popular Questacon attraction in Canberra.
The hand sanitizer was provided by the science center.
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources, which oversees Questacon, has now been charged by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions with a criminal breach of the federal Work Health and Safety Act.
It is alleged the child suffered burns that caused “serious injuries” to his hands and wrists.
“Comcare’s investigation revealed that a spark from the plasma ball ignited the alcohol-based hand sanitiser supplied by Questacon and used by the child,” the Federal Occupational Health and Safety Authority said in a statement released on Wednesday.
Questacon is accused of failing to meet its health and safety obligations, thereby exposing an individual to the risk of death or serious injury.
Comcare claims the Department failed in its duty under the legislation and believes it could have taken four actions to ‘eliminate or minimise risks’.
It is alleged that a nine-year-old’s hands caught fire at Questacon (pictured, the Canberra attraction) in July 2022
It is alleged that the child was using Questacon hand sanitiser and when they touched a plasma ball, their hands caught fire and they suffered serious injuries (stock photo)
One of the measures would have been to remove the plasma balls at Questacon after it became aware of the fire hazard posed by alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
The department could also have restricted the use and operation of the plasma balls to Questacon employees.
Another suggestion Comcare made was that the department should provide non-alcoholic hand sanitiser or portable hand washing stations with soap.
Comcare also considered that the department could have warned visitors to Questacon about the risk of fire and spark ignition.
Questacon is an agency of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (pictured is Questacon with a projection of periodic light systems on the outside)
The Ministry of Industry, Science and Resources faces a fine of $1.5 million and has been found guilty of the alleged violation.
The case is expected to make its first appearance in the ACT Magistrates Court on September 12.