In recent years, reports of gas explosions in Dhaka city and other places in Bangladesh are worryingly becoming more frequent. Whether it’s a residential building, market, warehouse, or business center, there is a looming threat of gas explosion. Several factors may trigger a gas blast and cause fatal damage to human lives and properties. Let’s take a look at what causes gas explosions and how to minimize the risks.

Common Causes of Gas Explosions in Residential Buildings

A residential building and flats in it face major risk when required safety measures against gas explosions are not taken. There have been many incidents of gas explosions in residential units simply due to carelessness and lack of proper measures. Here are some possible reasons for gas explosions in residential units.

Gas Leaks

One of the prime causes of gas explosions in residential buildings is gas leak. Apartments or houses use gas cylinders or direct gas lines. If there is a leak in the line or the cylinder, it might potentially cause explosions if the home unit doesn’t have good ventilation.

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Faulty Gas Appliances

Gas appliances like cookers, stoves, ovens, or heaters can malfunction and cause gas leakage. If the gas stove or cooker is not properly connected to the gas line, it may leak gas and lead to explosions. In many residential buildings and apartments, people tend to use expired gas cylinders which may cause gas explosions.

Poorly Maintained Gas Equipment

The gas line and the cylinder can also be the source of gas explosion. For example, if the main supply line or the cylinder gets corroded, it might end up leaking gas at different spots. Such leakages may culminate into explosions in contact with fire or sparks.

Air conditioners and refrigerators are equipped with non-supply gas storage or operated systems. Without proper maintenance, these appliances may deteriorate over time and cause fatal consequences.

Improper Installation

Gas units should always be installed under the supervision of a trained professional. Improper installation may lead to gas leaks. It’s better to avoid DIY procedures to avoid gas leaks and subsequent explosions.

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Faulty Connections 

In many cases, gas leaks in residential buildings and apartments are caused by faulty connections in the gas pipeline. When the gas, trapped in a closed room or space, comes in contact with flame or spark, it can cause an explosion.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can also be possible causes of gas explosions. In the event of a natural disaster like cyclone, earthquake, or flood, gas lines or cylinders can leak which might lead to explosions. 

Electrical Sparks

Electric spark is another common reason behind gas explosions. A gas leak may occur due to one of several reasons. And, when there is a faulty electrical circuit or switch nearby, the spark might trigger explosions.

Not Turning Off Stoves

Sometimes people forget to turn off their gas stoves after cooking. Thus, gas can get stored in the kitchen. If it continues for hours and someone lights a fire for cooking, gas explosions may occur. Simple carelessness like this may often lead to fatal consequences.

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Inadequate or No Ventilation

Proper ventilation can easily reduce the risk of gas explosion exponentially. According to Building Codes, every building has a specific ventilation guideline. During construction, the ventilation guidelines should be maintained. It would be wise to place gas equipment in open spaces or near windows for better ventilation.

Industries often rely on large working areas. Each floor may have several different types of machinery. It’s important that machinery and equipment using gas are properly ventilated. Even if any gas leak occurs, proper industry-grade ventilation can help to minimize the risks of explosions to a great extent.

Causes of Gas Explosions in Industries and Commercial Buildings

The above-mentioned causes may also lead to gas explosions in commercial and industrial buildings. The root causes of gas explosions are more or less the same. Yet some additional aspects might trigger gas explosions in a commercial building or industrial zone.

Highly Flammable Gas

Many industries use highly flammable gas at a much higher concentration than residential units. The sheer scale of gas usage requires adequate safety measures. Without proper handling of the highly flammable gases, it might lead to explosions.

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Chemical Reaction

In industrial buildings, many chemicals are stored and used for various operations. Some of these chemicals are flammable. Chemical reaction is a common trigger behind gas explosions in industrial zones. This can happen when incompatible chemicals are stored or used near each other, or when chemicals are not stored properly.

How to Prevent Gas Explosions

Prevention of gas explosions starts with safety measures. The National Building Codes’ guideline for Bangladesh has outlined gas and fire safety measures. Strict implementation of building codes is essential to make sure that the building – whether residential or commercial – follows the guidelines diligently.

On top of that, the following measures should also be taken for residential, commercial, and industrial spaces to avoid gas explosions.

Regular Maintenance

Gas appliances, like air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. are required to go through regular inspections by qualified technicians.  This will ensure that all machinery and equipment are in proper working condition and minimize the risk of gas leakages.

From an industry perspective, sitewide maintenance should be conducted to ensure every piece of equipment is in operational condition.

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Safe Use of LPG Cylinder

Before buying an LPG cylinder it is recommended to check the expiry date. Safety measures are necessary to use gas containers safely in households. Do not keep cylinders near flammable liquids. Replace the cylinder if any corrosion occurs.

Smoke Detectors

Sometimes, it’s impossible to detect smaller gas leaks with smell alone, but it might lead to severe consequences. It’s better to install detectors as they can detect gas leaks before it becomes a serious issue.

Installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings can warn people about gas leaks or fires and minimize the risks of explosions.

Take Immediate Response Measures

Whenever there is a leak, take immediate response measures, like opening the window, repairing through technicians, replacing faulty appliances, etc. A fast response measure will easily help to mitigate the impact caused by a gas leak.

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Raise Awareness

Whether it’s a residential area or a commercial space, it’s important to raise awareness on gas explosions. People should be educated about the do’s and don’ts in the event of a gas leak. Children should be made aware to not play with gas equipment or go near one without adult supervision.

Final Words

Gas explosions can be prevented if proper safety measures are followed. In residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, explosions are often caused by gas leaks, faulty gas line connections, improper installation of gas appliances, irregular maintenance of home appliances, improper ventilation, etc. While improper storage or maintenance of flammable gas and chemicals can lead to explosions in industrial zones.

To prevent gas explosions, it is recommended that residential complexes, business areas, and commercial zones follow building codes and maintain the associated safety measures like regular maintenance of gas appliances, repair of faulty connections, check expiry dates before buying cylinders, proper storage of flammable gas/chemicals, right ventilation, etc. On the whole, raising awareness about the causes and prevention of gas explosions can minimize the risk. 

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