Three workmates and a workplace nurse desperately tried to save the man in his mid-50s at the Nufarm farm chemicals factory in Laverton North, after he collapsed in decontamination shower and suffered a cardiac arrest.
Paramedics and MFB officers donned protective gear before they too unsuccessfully tried to revive the man.
It is understood the man was exposed to a fatal dose of molten phenol, a chemical used in the manufacturer of farm pesticides at the Pipe Rd plant.
Police said the man was working on an exterior pipeline when the pipe connection failed, spraying him with the toxic chemical about 11.15am.
During an attempt to wash the chemicals off in a shower the man collapsed.
He was pulled from the shower, but attempts by fellow workers and emergency crew failed to revive him.
Five other workmates - including four who tried to resuscitate him - were assessed for exposure.
Another man suffering a minor chemical burn to his arm during the incident. He was taken to the Western Hospital at Footscray in a stable condition.
Authorities took the emergency call at 11.19am, with the first ambulance crew on the scene less than 10 minutes later.
Nufarm is one of the world's biggest manufacturers of farm pesticides and other farm chemicals.
MFB spokesman John Taylor said its scientific officer and dangerous goods unit were involved in an investigation into the incident.
Molten phenol is classed as an S6 poison, considered to have “moderate to high toxicity”.
Information about the chemical warns it is toxic through contact with the skin or if swallowed. It also causes burns and exposure risks serious damage to the eyes.
The chemical is also flammable, and can give off toxic fumes while burning.
Chemical safety advice is that anyone exposed to the chemical should use overalls, full face shield, elbow-length impervious gloves, splash apron and rubber boots.
A report is expected to be prepared for the coroner, while WorkSafe is also investigating.
The chemical also features as a dangerous explosive substance in the film about a runaway train Unstoppable.
WorkSafe spokesman Michael Birt said the death was a grim reminder for employers and workers to "make their workplaces as safe as possible".
He said the death had been the third in the past month, while 23 people had died in workplace accidents in the past year.
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