Construction Injury Hot Topics

Natural Gas Exposure

Compressed gases

Construction workers are often required to operate near or even with compressed gases. Like nothing else on a construction site, compressed gases harbor great dangers, leading to hundreds of injuries each year and an alarming number of fatalities, depending on the nature of the accident.

Have you or someone you know been injured due to natural gas exposure?  Contact one of our construction injury lawyers  about natural gas exposure in your area today.

Compressed gases can be toxic, flammable, oxidizing, corrosive, inert or a combination of dangers. As there are many different types of gases that workers can be exposed to, there multiple hazards involved when handling compressed gas. Besides the chemical dangers there is also a mechanical hazard. Gases are kept in heavy, highly pressurized containers and the amount of energy compressed makes the container potential rockets or fragmentation bombs.

Possible gas exposures on construction sites

• Ammonia
• Arsine
• Bromine
• Carbon Dioxide
• Carbon Monoxide
• Ozone
• Nitrogen Oxides
• Propylene
• Sulfur Dioxide

Causes of compressed gas injuries at construction sites

• Inattentiveness when reading labels
• Not knowing potential hazards involved
• Improper storage of cylinders
• Improper handling of cylinders
• Forced connections of hoses with homemade adaptors
• Defective equipment
• Open valves when cylinders are not in use
• Smoking on the construction premises
• Ignorance of health and safety rules

Potential health and safety hazards due to compressed gas accidents

• Fire
• Explosions
• Reactivity and toxicity hazard
• Poisoning
• Suffocation
• Death

Precautions when handling compressed gases

• Never drop cylinders
• Ensure that cylinders never strike each other violently
• Cylinders stored in the open should be protected from rusting
• Leave valve-protection cap on until cylinder has been secured
• Store flammable gases separate from oxidizing gases
• Use pressure regulators
• Exercise inspections frequently

Have you or someone you know been injured due to natural gas exposure?  Contact one of our construction injury lawyers  about natural gas exposure in your area today.

In order to safely operate on construction sites where compressed gases are present, the employer has the responsibility to strictly enforce health and safety regulations that protect the employees. There are various institutes that provide information and guidelines as to how compressed gas projects should be handled. However, only the standards promoted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have the force of law.

Safe designs, operations and maintenance of pressure vessels in conjunction with the appropriate codes and standards are essential to guarantee each employee’s safety. It is the duty of the employer to put forth a reasonable effort in order to protect the standards and supervise adequate maintenance.

As too many people die or are seriously injured each year as a result of gas exposure, the majority of these accidents could be prevented if adequate measures were taken in advance.

If you or a loved one have been injured due to natural gas exposure at a construction site, you may wish to contact a construction injury lawyer and seek information concerning your legal options and rights. If so, contact one of our construction injury attorney today.

Update: FR