07:28 am, Thursday 27 November, 2008

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Two men have suffered flash burns in a mine explosion in Sydney’s south west, police say.

The two electricians, a 26-year-old Bellambi man and 40-year-old Helensburgh man, were attempting to repair a 1100 volt transformer at the mine in Appin when the explosion happened.

Police said the transformer malfunctioned when one of the men turned it on and it exploded in their faces.

The Bellambi man suffered burns to his arms, chest, face and throat. His colleague suffered burns to his arms.

The men were treated by on-site medical teams and ambulance workers before being transported to Liverpool Hospital where they remain in a stable condition.

The injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, police said.

Eight miners were evacuated from the shaft around 8pm (AEDT). They have been assessed and offered counselling.

The explosion site has been closed by the Department of Primary Industry, which is investigating the incident.

OHS News Tip: Mining Safe Work Method Statement

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