Both fires involved refuelling petrol-powered water pumps. Image: NSW Resources RegulatorAn investigation into two separate water pump fires has identified common safety gaps in refuelling practices and equipment management, with the NSW Resources Regulator outlining measures to help operators prevent similar incidents. The regulator examined two incidents from late 2024 involving petrol-powered water pumps at open-cut quarries, with one worker sustaining minor burns and another suffering serious burns that required helicopter evacuation to hospital and skin grafts. In the first incident, a worker was refuelling a modified water pump when the spout on a jerry can became dislodged, spilling petrol onto hot engine and exhaust components, which ignited immediately and engulfed the pump in flames. Subscribe to Safe to Work for the safety news that matters most to the Australian mining industry.