Worker BBQs at Inpex hit a snag

INPEX workers will go without barbecues indefinitely after a gas leak caused burns to two staff members.

According to a notice published on the project site, “several workers were cooking a barbeque (sic) when a gas leak ignited”.

The emergency response team was deployed and the fire was extinguished.

“Two employees attended the medical centre for superficial burns and were released following minor treatment,” the notice stated.

“Contractor is immediately suspending all barbeque (sic) activities pending investigation.”

All gas bottles have since been disconnected from barbecues, stored in separate locations.

It’s understood no barbecues will be allowed to be used again until all gas bottles, hoses and valves are checked for leaks.

JKC Australia LNG project director John Bramley said the fire occurred during a milestone event.

“Site emergency response teams were alerted and responded immediately. The fire was extinguished within minutes,” he said.

“The scene has been secured, NT WorkSafe has been notified and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.

“Site barbecue activities have been temporarily suspended until the investigation is complete and to allow for tagging and testing of all barbecue equipment.”

It’s not clear how long the barbecues will be out of use.

The safety incident came just days after a man slipped through scaffolding at the $34 billion construction site.

The man was grabbed by workmates after a railing gave way 30m up on one of the cryogenic tanks.

He was not wearing a harness at the time.

A week earlier, the site had a diesel spill from a generator, which leaked fuel at the main wharf at Bladin Point. A cleanup is underway.

Safety concerns on the project have been raised several times over the past 18 months.