Potential Explosion Zones

It is important to be aware of potential explosion zones so that you can take the appropriate safety measures.  As a general rule, explosion zones can be found anywhere there is a volatile fuel source.  Below are some examples:

Refineries and Pipelines

Refineries and pipelines handle and process volatile materials every day.  Because of the inherently dangerous nature of the refinery environment, there are literally thousands of regulations, codes, and laws governing safe refining practices in the United States.

Fuel Sources in the Home

There are few substances more flammable than the common fuels we use in everyday life at home – such as gasoline, natural gas, and propane.  All of these substances should be handled and stored with extreme care as they can be ignited by even small sparks.  You should be aware at all times where these substances are located in your home, and you should check them regularly to detect any fuel leaks that may be present.

For example, any of the following can malfunction and leak resulting in dangerous gas accumulations:

• Water heaters
• Central Cooling and Heating Systems
• Space Heaters
• Outdoor Grills
• Gas Lights
• Ranges, Ovens, Cooktops
• Dryers
• Fireplace Logs
• Pool Heaters
• Gas Generators
• Cigarette lighters
• Boats
• ATVs
• Automobiles

Some tips for storing fuel

Below are some simple, helpful tips for safely storing fuel:

1.    Do not store fuel containers next to one another.

2.    Do not store fuel next to any heat source.

3.    Store all fuel in a well ventilated area.

4.    Store all fuel in flame-resistant containers.

5.    Store all fuel out of the reach of children or pets.

Injuries Caused by Explosions

There are several different types of explosion related injuries:

• Auditory System:  TM rupture, ossicular disruption, cochlear damage, foreign body
• Eye, Orbit, Face:  Perforated globe, foreign body, air embolism, fractures
• Respiratory System:  Blast lung, hemothorax, pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion and hemorrhage, A-V: fistulas (source of air embolism), airway epithelial damage, a spiration pneumonitis, sepsis
• Digestive System:  Bowel perforation, hemorrhage, ruptured liver or spleen, sepsis, mesenteric ischemia from air embolism
• Circulatory System:  Cardiac contusion, myocardial infarction from air embolism, shock, vasovagal hypotension, peripheral vascular injury, air embolism-induced injury
• CNS injury:  Concussion, closed and open brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, air embolism-induced injury
• Renal Injury:  Renal contusion, laceration, acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis, hypotension, and hypovolemia
• Extremity injury:  Traumatic amputation, fractures, crush injuries, compartment syndrome, burns, cuts, lacerations, acute arterial occlusion, air embolism-induced injury

Up to 10% of all blast survivors have significant eye injuries.  These injuries involve perforations from high-velocity projectiles, can occur with minimal initial discomfort, and present for care days, weeks, or months after the event.  Symptoms include eye pain or irritation, foreign body sensation, altered vision, periorbital swelling or contusions.  Findings can include decreased visual acuity, hyphema, globe perforation, subconjunctival hemorrhage, foreign body, or lid lacerations.

Experienced Explosion Attorneys – Simon & Luke

The explosion lawyers at Simon & Luke have handled numerous electrical injury cases, recovering millions of dollars for our clients.   We have represented:

• industrial plant workers
• independent contractors
• construction workers
• licensed contractors
• product consumers

We have a team of experienced explosion experts, engineers, investigators, and photographers standing by to immediately investigate the cause of your injuries, photograph and preserve the evidence, question witnesses, and protect all of your legal rights.

Call the lawyers at Simon & Luke toll free at 1-888-335-4901 for a free consultation on your legal rights.