Gas Tank Explosion

Pennsylvania Gas Tank Explosion Injury

Our gas tank explosion attorneys have seen the devastating impact that gas has tank accidents can have on victims as well as the families of those injured through gas tank explosions. While not everyday occurrences, gas explosions are devastating when they happen. As those of us who live in and around Lancaster, Pennsylvania surely know, propane gas is very common in our community. Homeowners use propane gas to heat their homes and to power their hot water heaters, stoves, barbecues and fireplaces. Businesses use propane gas for temporary heat at construction sites and to power forklifts.

Most of the time, all of the components work properly and propane provides a versatile and efficient source of fuel. It is important to remember, however, that propane gas is explosive and you must never allow a source of ignition to be present where a propane leak is suspected. A very small quantity of gas, or even a small quantity of propane gas fumes, can cause a horrific explosion that can level an entire building in an instant. Gas tank explosions produce catastrophic injuries and often result in death.

Many times, exploding gas tanks are not accidental, but rather the result of negligence. Gas explosions result from faulty tank design, poor cylinder design, inadequate maintenance, equipment malfunctions, improper training or failure to follow required regulations. Specifically, the regulations promulgated by the National Fire Prevention Association (“NFPA”) are incorporated by reference into most local building codes in Pennsylvania to prevent the likelihood of a gas explosion. Under those regulations,

• Cylinders must be inspected periodically before being placed into service or allowed to remain in service
• Propane is never to be delivered to a tank in the event that the tank is out of gas unless a pressure test is performed in accordance with NFPA guidelines to ensure that there is not a leak
• Gas must be additized with an odorant such as ethyl mercaptan to increase the likelihood that gas leaks will be identified quickly
• Propane tanks must be installed at an appropriate distance from houses and buildings
• Propane may not be transferred directly from one propane truck into another propane truck, but rather only into approved storage containers.

These are but a few of the requirements under applicable law in Pennsylvania. When an explosion occurs, it is often discovered that the cause could be traced to the propane supplier’s failure to follow required and prudent gas safety procedures.

If you were injured in a gas explosion, or you know someone who was injured in a gas explosion, you need an experienced lawyer. Gas tank accidents are best handled by local attorneys, who have experience handling personal injury claims arising from Gas tank explosions. Haggerty Silverman & Justice with attorneys here to help you with every aspect of your claim. Our explosion injury lawyers have decades of experience in handling such cases. Call us today at 717-397-3200 or use our online contact form to request a free legal consultation.