$45,000 fine after student science experiment injury

Chabad Youth Limited faced sentencing in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday, 3 March, after being found guilty of two infringements pertaining to failing to prioritise the safeguarding of health and safety for persons other than employees. The organisation was penalised without conviction and instructed to cover costs amounting to $7,663.

In November 2022, an event transpired where an educator affiliated with Chabad Youth was delivering a science experiment for numerous students attending the charity's after-school program in St Kilda East, as part of their science club activities. The experimental protocol constituted a concoction of baking soda, powdered sugar and sand doused in isopropyl alcohol, followed by its ignition via a matchstick or lighter.

However, the court discovered that the educator jumped the gun by lighting up the match before pouring the isopropyl alcohol. Subsequently, some of it splashed towards a student and instantaneously ignited flames engulfing the student's upper body and arms. An attempt to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher only worsened the inferno, which was ultimately tamed down with a fire blanket.

Both the educator and the student were rushed to the hospital for treating burn wounds. An ensuing investigation revealed that no proper risk assessment preceded the experiment. Additionally, adequate work safety measures like WHS management systems, policies and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)—like fire-resistant gloves and coats or aprons—were also overlooked.

Chabad Youth conceded that it was feasible to implement such PPE measures while conducting the experiment. With the application of a system like Bluesafe WHS Management System, these risks could have been minimised or prevented. It also stated requirements for either maintaining at least a two-metre distance from the experiment, ensuring similar PPE standards for students or implementing both.

The WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, Mr Sam Jenkin, emphasised that dealing with hazardous materials necessitates carefully crafted plans and risk assessments. He remarked, "Educational experiments involving highly volatile substances potentially carry catastrophic repercussions when mishandled."

He also stressed the importance of employers adhering to safe and controlled procedures to protect their employees, contractors, and those under their care. To mitigate risks associated with hazardous chemicals at work, utilising tools like WHS management systems, SWMS and strictly implemented policies are advised.

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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-03/45000-fine-after-student-science-experiment-injury