An explosion occurred at a liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution facility. It was caused by a leak that started at a delivery station while a customer was filling his vehicle’s tank. At the time, the driver of an LNG tanker was making a delivery. He activated the facilities’ emergency stop, closed the valves, and purged the unloading hose. Twenty minutes later, the LNG delivery station exploded when the driver tried to disconnect the unloading hose. The pressure remaining inside the delivery hose flung it against the driver, injuring his arm. He was taken to hospital and he informed his employer of the risks at the distribution and delivery stations and exercised his right to withdraw from unsafe work.

The first leak was caused by a loose flange on the gas distribution system. The flange was missing a screw, and this had been reported to the operator three weeks earlier. Upon noticing the leak on the delivery station, the driver pressed the emergency stop button on the distribution station in order to turn it off. This turned off all the site’s facilities, including the delivery station’s equipment. The delivery hose used by the driver to unload the tanker remained pressurised. This internal pressure, combined with the driver’s shaking of the hose to disconnect it, caused its breakaway coupling to fail. The breakaway coupling was missing a nut, which had been reported.

The inspection authorities for classified facilities identified multiple non-conformities and made a number of observations when they visited the site. In particular, they noted that performing unloading and distribution simultaneously may result in an accident or exacerbate the consequences of an accident. It asked the operator to take the necessary measures to prevent customers accessing the station during deliveries.

The operator reminded and educated delivery drivers about the safety rules and how to deal with emergencies.