Friday, March 27, 2015

MANY GAS EXPLOSIONS OCCUR DUE TO CARELESS MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR WORK







MARCH 27, 2015

EAST VILLAGE, NEW YORK

Inspectors from the local utility company had left the building at 121 2nd Ave. not an hour before, having conducted an inspection of the building’s gas upgrade — that the building failed – mainly a violation related to the spacing required for the new gas meter for the larger service.  It is possible that the contractor broke some gas piping that released the gas and caused the explosion.  We will see what the investigation shows.

A whiff of gas, then a massive explosion tore through the afternoon, spraying hot ash and glass onto the Second Avenue pavement and sending pedestrians into a sprint — first away from the cloud of dust and smoke, then toward it, looking for survivors.

At least 19 were injured, four critically, in the explosion and subsequent seven-alarm fire, the New York Times reported. City officials said the blast appears to have been caused by plumbing and gas work being done inside 121 2nd Ave., which housed the restaurant Sushi Park and several residential apartments.




From oilfields to natural gas to refineries to industrial processes we see on a daily basis that accidents happen due to lack of maintenance or due to improper maintenance or due to improper repairs.  When a plumber or other contractor is brought in to upgrade a service, he is not familiar with what the existing installation looks like and it is common to damage the existing installation, causing leaks, fires or explosions.   

Many people have died or injured that way.

The deadly Harlem gas explosion occurred last year has been attributed to improper installation of new pipe.  The recent explosions in New Jersey have also been attributed to pipe ruptures by contractors during upgrade or new installation or maintenance work.

So, it is important to check the credentials of the contractor or engineer who is doing the work.  We know that they are suppose to be professionals and that they are suppose to know what they are doing, but do not count on that at all times.  Many of these people use unqualified personel to cut costs or increase their profits.  Ask questions and probe things and ask for references and qualifications and double and triple check the safety procedures they are suppose to follow.  It is better to be safe than sorry.