Compressed Gas Injuries Attorney in Phoenix

Compressed gas is used on construction sites for different project elements. These gasses are highly flammable and pressurized. It takes special training and storage to prevent accidents.

Workers who suffer injuries from compressed gas explosions will suffer severe consequences, including death. You must contact Zanes Law if you are injured by compressed gas. These injury cases are very complex, and you need a compressed gas injuries lawyer in Phoenix to help you.

How Compress Gas Accidents Happen

The vessel that houses the gas allows the energy to build up in the container. If there is a crack in the vessel, it can lead to the vessel becoming a rocket. Once the container explodes, there is no way to stop it; the only thing workers can do is try to move out of the way.

Construction sites often house the following:

Hydrogen
Oxygen
Butane
Ethylene
Helium
Argon

These gasses are explosive, corrosive, and combustible, making them a hazard to everyone. Even with protective gear, construction workers risk suffering extreme burns, asphyxiation, and more. Compressed gas can cause fires, explosions, oxygen displacement, and physical hazards. Employees around the gas for long periods can also face exposure to toxic gas injuries.

The primary cause of a compressed gas incident is when the cylinder becomes depressurized, has a leak, or a valve is broken. A small leak can go unnoticed but can lead to toxic exposure. When proper safety protocols are not followed, that can also lead to a compressed gas explosion. Lastly, an explosion can happen when the gas cylinder has a defect coming from the source.

For a free legal consultation with a compressed gas injuries lawyer serving Phoenix, call 866-499-8989

Common Safety Measures Used to Prevent Compressed Gas Accidents

Since these gasses are very dangerous, there are preventative measures that employers must take to ensure the safety of all workers and visitors on the job site. Suppose they fail to take these actions, it results in injury and death. Failure to follow procedures also means the employer is negligent and must be held accountable for the injury.

Storing Compressed Gas

All cylinders must be secured upright and be in a position where they cannot move. The cylinders must stay cool, and anyone who handles them should ensure no hand tools come into direct contact with the cylinder. The biggest mistake is to heat the cylinder, which construction workers should avoid at all costs.

While Arizona is hot by nature, there are methods to keep these cylinders cool and away from the heat.

Training Workers How to Handle Compressed Gas

Employers must instruct workers how to handle the cylinders and provide protective gear to be safe. You must wear safety goggles, gloves, and hard-toed shoes near a compressed gas cylinder. The shoes are because these cylinders can roll and squish a person’s foot.

Inspecting Cylinders for Corrosion

Inspecting the cylinders for corrosion, dents, or marks is essential because these are signs of a hazard present. The valve cap is another critical element to check. When it is time to remove the cap, there must be another check for odors, hissing sounds, and plumes.

If these are present, the danger is near.

Properly Storing Containers

When storing the containers, they must stay in a fire-resistant area with ventilation; the room must be cool and dry with a fire extinguisher nearby. The worst thing anyone on a job site can do is store the vessels near a fire or a heat source. While workers are used to seeing these cylinders, they should never become complacent because they are hazardous.

Employers must ensure there are adequate markings warning everyone that there is gas present and it can explode. Employers, property owners, and subcontractors are responsible for keeping everyone safe in the workplace.

While compressed gas is dangerous, it is used to power equipment, and many workers and others are accustomed to seeing these cylinders around. Contractors must have an emergency response plan for fire from compressed gas. Employers will need to take all of these measures and ensure that construction workers around or handling the compressed gas are aware of the precautions and dangers.

Phoenix Compressed Gas Injuries Lawyer Near Me 866-499-8989

Injuries Caused by Gas Explosions

OSHA has documented compressed gas injuries since the early 2000s and found that many accidents result in finger amputations or death. Compressed gas is unpredictable, and there is no way to know what will happen next when there is an accident. The most common compressed gas injuries Arizona construction workers face are:

Burn injuries
Asphyxiation
Broken bones
Chemical burns

When the cylinder becomes a rocket or projectile, additional injuries like head trauma will occur. For those who survive these explosions, medical care will be extensive and can require years of treatment. Victims will not return to their previous employment and can suffer lifelong complications from toxic exposure.

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Workers’ Compensation or Personal Injury

If you are an Arizona construction worker who suffers an injury from a compressed gas accident, you will likely file a worker’s compensation claim. However, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit instead. The two processes will vary slightly, but the goal is to get you monetary recovery for your injuries and ongoing care.

Workers’ compensation claims do not require construction workers to prove fault, but there are several restrictions regarding obtaining high compensation amounts. Sometimes worker’s compensation claims are not enough to cover your losses, and you need additional assistance. The employer can only pay for your losses through worker’s compensation.

However, if there is a third party who bears responsibility for causing the accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. The best example is if the company that constructed the compressed gas cylinder was negligent and caused an explosion.

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Speak to an Experienced Gas Injuries Attorney in Phoenix Today

There are significant losses and injuries from a compressed gas accident. While your only concern is to get better physically and back to work, Zanes Law is focused on protecting your legal rights to compensation. Your life will never be the same after a compressed gas accident.

You need compensation that reflects that. Enlist the help of a Phoenix compressed gas injuries lawyer today.

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