A Comcare investigation found a spark from the globe had ignited the alcohol-based sanitiser — that had been supplied by Questacon — on the child's hands.
The Department of Industry Science and Resources is facing a single charge of breaching work, health and safety laws which carries a maximum fine of $1.5 million.
It's alleged a nine-year-old child was touching a plasma globe in one of the galleries when the incident happened, leaving them with burns to their hands and wrists
The matter is listed for a mention in the ACT Magistrates Court on September 12.