Are Compressed Gas Accidents Common?Many construction projects require the use of compressed gases. Even though they are commonly used, compressed gases entail a number of hazards. Each year thousands of workers are injured in construction accidents through the use of compressed gases. These injuries are usually due to failing to handle the compressed gases safely, or negligence.
What Are Some of the Hazards of Compressed Gases?Gases can be hazardous in many ways. For example, gases can be:
- Combustible
- Explosive
- Corrosive
- Poisonous
- Inert
- A combination of the above
A gas could also be flammable which presents the danger of a fire or explosion. Gases can also asphyxiate a person and can be highly reactive and toxic. This can be true even of gases normally considered harmless, such as nitrogen.
What Are Some Other Hazards Related to Compressed Gases?The above mentioned hazards tend to be hazards of the compressed gases themselves. In addition, the storage containers for gases can be hazardous. Some examples include:
- Compressed gases are contained in heavy, highly pressurized containers. Due to the amount of potential energy in the containers, it is possible that they could become rockets or fragmentation bombs.
- Cracked or otherwise damaged containers can lead to leaks or ruptures. If a container is leaking a compressed gas, there is danger of fire, explosion, suffocation, and poisoning.
- Compressed gas containers are often contained in very cumbersome and heavy containers. Improperly stored or improperly moved containers can fall on workers sometimes leading to fatal injuries.
How Can I Avoid Compressed Gas Accidents?Proper design, installation, maintenance, and use of compressed gases and their containers are necessary in order to avoid accidents. If the design of the container contained some kind of defect which leads to the construction accident that caused your injuries, you may have a products liability claim against the manufacturer. If your employer didn't ensure proper use and maintenance of the containers, you may have a claim against your employer.
I've Been Hurt in a Compressed Gas Accident, Do I Need a Lawyer?An experienced construction lawyer can help you determine who is at fault for your injury. A lawyer can also inform of your rights and remedies as well as advise you on what your options are if someone else was at fault for your construction accident. |
 |
