Federal Department Charged After Child’s Hands Catch Fire at Questacon

Introduction

The Department of Industry Science and Resources has been charged following an incident where a child suffered severe burns due to a plasma globe at Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra.

Details of the Incident

In July 2022, a nine-year-old child was interacting with a plasma globe exhibit at Questacon when their hands and wrists caught fire. The burns were a result of the alcohol-based hand sanitiser provided by Questacon, which ignited due to a spark from the plasma globe.

Legal Charges and Potential Penalties

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions has lodged a charge against the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, alleging a breach of work, health, and safety laws. The charge could result in a fine up to $1.5 million if the department is found guilty of failing to ensure the safety of Questacon’s visitors.

Safety Measures and Prosecution Allegations

Prosecutors argue that the risk of fire could have been mitigated through several measures, including the removal of plasma globes, restriction of globe operation to trained staff, provision of non-alcoholic hand sanitizers, or installation of handwashing stations. Additionally, adequate warnings about the risk of spark ignition from the globes could have been provided to visitors.

Department’s Response and Court Proceedings

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has not provided specific comments due to the ongoing legal process. However, they emphasized that maintaining a safe environment at Questacon for visitors and staff remains a critical priority. The case is set for mention in the ACT Magistrates Court on September 12.