Explosions due to flammable materials can have catastrophic consequences including severe injuries and loss of life This article covers key aspects of such incidents, including legal liability, risk factors, preventative measures and you’re right to compensation if you have been affected by an explosion due to flammable materials
Understanding the Risk
Flammable materials include liquids, gases, vapours and dusts can cause fires and explosive atmospheres if not handled correctly.
For an explosion to occur, three elements must typically be present: fuel (the flammable material), an oxidiser (often air) and an ignition source. Some common examples include:
- Petrol vapour in garages and repair workshops.
- Fine dusts such as wood, grain or flour in manufacturing environments.
- Flammable gases or vapours released from storage tanks or during processing.
The impact of an explosion can be devastating with the risk of injury being highly increased due to the potential of roof collapse, structural damage and fire spread.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Businesses and individuals need to be aware of a range of legal obligations when working with, storing or disposing of flammable materials:
Risk assessment obligations
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England & Wales) and equivalent regimes, the “responsible person” must identify dangerous substances, including those which may explode and ensure the risk of fire and explosion is reduced so far as reasonably practicable.
Meanwhile, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require employers to identify dangerous substances, assess the risks of fire and explosion and put in place measures to eliminate or control those risks.
Health and Safety at Work
The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) places a duty on employers to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by their work activities including managing dangerous substances.
Reporting incidents
Certain explosions, fires or releases of flammable substances must be reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR.)
Criminal liability for explosives
While many flammable material incidents fall under health & safety law, some may also fall under the Explosive Substances Act 1883 (ESA) if the substance is an explosive substance and the explosion is likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.
Common Causes of Explosions from Flammable Materials
Understanding the root causes helps organisations to mitigate risk. Some typical causes include:
- Inadequate storage or handling of flammable liquids or gases (such as petrol, LPG, solvents).
- Hot work (welding, cutting), spark sources or electrical equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- Accumulation of combustible dusts in manufacturing/processing environments (wood, flour, sugar, metals) that can form explosive atmospheres when stirred or disturbed.
- Failure to ventilate or control vapour/dust release, leading to a build-up of explosive atmosphere.
- Poor housekeeping, mixing of incompatible materials, or inadequate segregation of ignitable materials.
How Liability Can Arise
When an explosion caused by flammable materials occurs, several parties may face liability. Some typical lines of liability include:
- Employer/occupier liability:
- Manufacturer or supplier liability:
- Contractor or maintenance liability:
- Landlord/tenant liability:
For victims (employees, contractors, visitors), there may be claims including: personal injury, illness from burns or inhalation, and property damage or business interruption. Early legal advice is essential to preserving evidence (site records, risk assessments, maintenance logs, witness statements, photographs).
Common Injuries
Explosions involving flammable substances can result in some of the most serious and life-changing injuries imaginable. The intensity of the blast, heat, and debris can affect victims both physically and psychologically. Common injuries include:
- Burn Injuries
- Blast Injuries
- Shrapnel and Laceration Injuries
- Smoke and Toxic Fume Inhalation
- Orthopaedic Injuries
- Hearing and Vision Damage
- Psychological Trauma
Understanding these injuries is essential when pursuing compensation or rehabilitation, as victims may require specialist medical care, counselling, and long-term support.
Next Steps
If you believe you have suffered injuries after being involved in an accident involving an explosion due to flammable materials, please feel free to contact Harris Fowler where an expertly trained claims handler will be able to help you further.
📞 Call us on 0800 213 214
