Questacon facing $1.5 million fine after child's hand caught fire touching display

The government department that oversees Canberra's interactive museum Questacon has been charged with breaching health and safety laws after a child was burned.

A nine-year-old child suffered burns to their hands and wrists after allegedly touching a plasma globe in one of the galleries, which led to their hand catching on fire, in July 2022.

An investigation has found that the child had used alcohol-based hand sanitiser on their hands before touching the plasma globe.

READ MORE: Sydney teacher arrested at school

When they touched the globe, it emitted a spark which then ignited the hand sanitiser, which was allegedly provided by Questacon.

Questacon's overseeing government department, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources has been charged with failing its duties under the Work Health and Safety Act.

Comcare has alleged that the department could have eliminated the risk by removing the plasma globes after discovering the fire risk from alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

READ MORE: Safety alert may not have stopped fatal plane crash

Comecare also said Questacon could have provided non-alcohol-based hand sanitiser or warned visitors about the risk of fire.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of $1.5 million.

The matter will be heard in the ACT Magistrates Court on September 12, 2024.