Two chefs received flash burns to their upper bodies when an aerosol can of cooking oil exploded in a busy café. As a result of the explosion, a large window at the front of the café blew outwards. Luckily, no patrons or other staff members were injured.  

At the time of the incident, two chefs were in the open plan kitchen cooking breakfast in frying pans placed on lit gas burners. The aerosol can was placed on the kitchen work bench next to lit gas burners.  As a result, the contents inside the aerosol can heated up, causing them to expand until the can could not withstand the internal pressure.  

The base of the aerosol can blew out, causing the contents to be released in the atmosphere. The propellant inside the can (17 per cent propane and 83 per cent butane) was ignited by the naked flame resulting in an explosion.

This Alert contains safety information following inquiries made by WorkSafe about an incident or unsafe practice. The information contained in this Alert does not necessarily include the outcome of WorkSafe’s action with respect to an incident. WorkSafe does not warrant the information in this Alert is complete or up to date and does not accept any liability to any person for the information in this report or as to its use.