Company charged over chemical stockpiles in Campbellfield

The company, which is now in liquidation, is facing seven offences under sections 31 (1) and section 45 of the Act.

WorkSafe alleges that Bradbury failed to take all reasonable precautions to prevent fire or explosion of dangerous goods at the site at 9-11 Brooklyn Court, Campbellfield.

It is alleged the company failed to reduce, so far as was reasonably practicable, the risk of dangerous goods leaking from intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) that were bulging, had loose top screw caps, or were partially collapsed.

It's also alleged the company failed to notify WorkSafe of the presence of an excess quantity of dangerous goods at the site.

Having exceeded the regulated fire protection quantity of dangerous goods, it is alleged the company failed to request the advice of the relevant emergency services authority in relation to the design of a fire protection system for the premises and failed to have a written emergency plan.

It is further alleged the company breached regulations relating to placarding and keeping a prescribed manifest.

The stockpile was uncovered during Environment Protection Authority and WorkSafe investigations into the storage of chemicals in Melbourne's northern suburbs in January 2019.

WorkSafe issued improvement notices requiring the site to be made safe, which were complied with.

The matter is listed for a filing mention in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 26 February 2020.