There are various types of explosions that take place in numerous different settings. Regardless of the type of explosion that occurs, it is important to understand that each explosion is a potentially serious or deadly event for those who are impacted. When an explosion does occur, it is usually the result of one or more human errors somewhere along the way. This means that most explosions could actually be prevented through the use of basic care and caution. Unfortunately, while explosions can normally be prevented, the best practices to ensure prevention are not always followed, leaving innocent individuals in harms way.
Understanding and applying basic safety principles is key to avoiding the blast before it happens. Business owners, employees, and homeowners can all take certain basic steps to lower the risk of an explosion and, in turn, can help to keep themselves and others around them safe when working with explosive substances and materials. Here, we will take a look at some steps that can be taken to avoid and prevent the harm caused by explosions.
If you or a family member have been affected by an explosion, our nationwide explosion accident attorneys at Burg Simpson are here to speak with you at any time Give us a call to see how we can be of assistance.
Where Do Explosions Occur? 
Explosions happen in many diverse types of environments. However, the common denominator is a building or other confined space where potentially hazardous and explosive materials are kept in a confined space. Some examples of the types of areas where an explosion can occur include:
- Manufacturing facilities and industrial plants
- Commercial warehouses
- Construction sites where the use of blasting and demolition occurs
- Oil rigs and pipelines
- Personal residences
The unfortunate reality of an explosion is that there is often little or no warning before it occurs. Instead, innocent victims are left in a potentially dangerous situation at a moment's notice.
Preventing An Explosion
The best way to avoid the dangers caused by an explosion is to take measures to avoid it from happening in the first place. Given that blasts occur in a split second, there is no guarantee of personal safety once the process has already been set in motion. Instead, steps must be taken proactively to reduce or lessen the possibility of an explosion. Below is a list of things that can and should be done to help prevent an explosion.
Proper Storage
Many explosions occur in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and chemical plants. In these settings, workers routinely handle dangerous and combustible chemicals, sometimes on a daily basis. In order to ensure safety and to help prevent a blast, proper storage protocols must be followed. This includes storing potentially hazardous and explosive materials separately. These materials should be kept tightly confined in order to reduce the chance that they will escape. All combustible substances and materials should be clearly labeled to indicate their presence inside a storage container and to reduce the risk of mishandling.
Employee Training
Employees are often tasked with handling and working with the most dangerous and explosive materials. An employee at a construction site might be in charge of a demolition project. These tasks can be extremely risky and, if not done properly, the energy from the blasting can lead to a hazardous explosion. In an area like a construction site, numerous bystanders may be at risk.
To reduce the risk of an employee-caused explosion, workers should be thoroughly trained in how to handle explosives. This includes employer-led training as well as hands-on experience working with the materials. Workers should be educated on the potential for a major event and how to handle the situation if an explosion does happen.
Homeowner Prevention
In addition, an explosion can also take place inside a home or other residential area. While we typically think of explosions occurring in large factories or buildings, they can occur anywhere that an ignition agent comes into contact with a combustible material.
Gas appliances are the most common source of residential explosions. These appliances use highly combustible substances to produce heat used for warm water and cooking food, among other things. Homeowners should be aware of the risks of gas appliances and must also know the warning signs to look for. Most commonly, a propane leak is an early indicator of a gas explosion. Some signs of a propane leak are:
- Hissing or whistling sound coming from the appliance
- Dead and discolored grass
- A continuous bubbling in wet or flooded areas
- A smell resembling rotten eggs
- Dead and dying plants
- Higher than normal gas usage meter readings
In the event that a homeowner notices any of the following signs, it is imperative to leave the home and go to a safe place right away. The local fire department and gas utility company should be contacted to perform an inspection of the home to determine whether it is safe for human habitation.
National Explosion Accident Attorneys
An explosion is a sudden and tragic event that can result in serious injuries or loss of human life. Additionally, the explosion may lead to massive amounts of property damage and long-term environmental impacts in the affected area. Given all of these potential negative outcomes, it is best to have appropriate prevention strategies in place. Having a plan can mean the difference in life and death when it comes to gas, chemical, or electrical explosions.
Here at Burg Simpson, we represent explosion accident victims nationwide. Our firm of skilled and experienced attorneys has the knowledge that you need to protect your legal rights following a blast. If you have been affected, please reach out to us to see how we can be of assistance.
Our consultations are free for all potential and prospective clients. There is no legal fee until we obtain a recovery on your behalf. To schedule your time to meet with one of our national explosion accident lawyers, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at 866-695-1325.
