MEC&F Expert Engineers : SAFETY REMINDER: WHEN AEROSOL CANS ARE PLACED NEAR A HEAT SOURCE, SUCH AS STOVE TOP, THE PRESSURIZED CANS CAN QUICKLY EXPLODE WITH INJURIOUS OR POTENTIALLY DEADLY FORCE

Saturday, November 29, 2014

SAFETY REMINDER: WHEN AEROSOL CANS ARE PLACED NEAR A HEAT SOURCE, SUCH AS STOVE TOP, THE PRESSURIZED CANS CAN QUICKLY EXPLODE WITH INJURIOUS OR POTENTIALLY DEADLY FORCE



SAFETY REMINDER: When aerosol cans are placed near a heat source, such as stove top, the pressurized cans CAN quickly explode with INJURIOUS OR potentially deadly force



Most aerosol cans contain several ounces of a propellant (carbon dioxide, propane or butane), typically three to fine oz.  More precisely, the aerosol cans contain 10-15% propellant by weight.

If punctured, contents may be released so forcefully that injuries could result.  High or extreme temperatures may cause cans to rupture.  A recent incident in Chicago, IL illustrates the danger posed by these products.  So be careful out there.  Although now is winter in the states, make sure you remove cans (such as WD-40) from your vehicle during the summer months, as the heat can cause the cans to explode.

It goes beyond saying that there have been instances where the aerosol can exploded without being subjected to exterior source of heat or puncture.  The cans simply exploded because they were defective or their bottoms had been rusted.



USA, ILL, CHICAGO, NOVEMBER 22 2014. 4 INJURED IN AEROSOL CAN BLAST AT MACY'S IN CHICAGO'S LOOP.  AEROSOL CAN RUPTURED IN THE KITCHEN DEMO AREA, OFFICIALS SAID
Four employees were injured Friday morning, on November 22, 2014 when an aerosol can ruptured during preparations for an employee breakfast at Macy's in Chicago's Loop, fire officials said.  Four employees were injured Friday morning when an aerosol can ruptured during preparations for an employee breakfast at Macy's in Chicago's Loop, fire officials said.  The can got too close to a heating element at the store at 111 N. State St. and exploded, Field Chief Elliott Belez said.  The store had not opened yet, and there were no customers in the building. "The can apparently overheated and it exploded, "Belez said.  A woman was taken to John H Stroger Jr. Hospital with facial burns, and three men were transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.  Three of the employees were later released and "are doing fine, " according to a Macy's spokeswoman.  
"An accident happened where an aerosol can ruptured," store spokeswoman Andrea Schwartz said in a statement. "No harm has been done to the building and the store is operating normally."  Fire officials initially cited a "cooking incident with propane" but later clarified that no propane was involved.  The woman was seen being taken from the store with towels on her face.  Schwartz confirmed the incident occurred in the lower-level demonstration kitchen.  "Four associates were injured in an accident related to a cooking event on the lower level pre-store opening," Schwartz said. "The accident is currently under investigation.  No customers were injured as the store was not open at the time.  The store is open and operating normally." The Chicago Fire Department cited Macy's for violating safety protocols.