It has publicly confirmed that the contractor was fixing a broken hydraulic ram on a streetsweeper when the explosion occurred at its Golden Square depot on Monday afternoon.

The ram was used to open and close the back of the machine, council presentation and assets director Brian Westley said.

"When heat was applied to the ram, we believe either the part has failed or the oil in the connecting hydraulic hoses has inadvertently heated up and caused the oil splash onto the contractor," he said.

"We are waiting for the hydraulic ram to be removed from the streetsweeper to confirm exactly what has happened."

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Two other mechanics provided first aid immediately after the explosion, Mr Westley said.

One had been working nearby and the other was spotting the victim as he welded.

"We are very pleased to hear today that the contractor is expected to make a full recovery after receiving burns to his eyes and face," he said.

The man, who Ambulance Victoria said was aged in his 30s, was taken to Bendigo Hospital after the explosion.

Firefighters and police also attended the scene on Adam Street after being paged shortly before 4pm.

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WorkSafe is investigating the cause of the explosion and Mr Westley said the council would continue to cooperate.

He said the council would implement any changes WorkSafe's investigation found were necessary to minimise any risks of future incidents.

"Yesterday's incident has otherwise not affected operations at the depot," he said.

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