Explosions & Gas Fires

Gas - including gasoline, propane gas, or natural gas - is used in a variety of way in our daily lives. Gasoline is used in many types of motor vehicles, including

• Automobiles
• Motor boats
• Lawn mowers
• Scooters

Propane gas can be used to power products such as:

• Barbeques
• Emergency generators
• Pool heaters
• Clothes dryers

Natural gas is the most common type of gas used in household. It is used to power household appliances such as:

• Stoves
• Heaters
• Fireplaces
• Clothes dryers

Gasoline, propane gas, and natural gas are relatively safe if handled in the appropriate manner. However, if handled improperly, gas can be deadly.

Causes

Some of the more common root causes of gas fires and explosions include:

• Improper handling - people who are not careful when handling gases are often to blame for gas fires and explosions.
• Failure to follow safety codes - guidelines for the safe use of gases are issued by the manufacturers of products and by U. S. government agencies. If these guidelines are not followed there is an increased risk of gas fire or explosion.
• Defective products - although manufacturers test their products for safety defects before they are offered to the public, some products may contain a defect that can lead to a gas fire or explosion. Among products that can lead to gas fires, propane barbecues are the most commonly recalled.
• Scooters

Types

There are several types of gas fires and explosions that can occur, including gasoline truck explosions and coal mine explosions. In addition to these accidents, there are several things that can lead to a gas fire or explosion, including pipeline leaks and defective products.