BLEVE concerns are associated with which type of container?

• A. Cryogenic containers
• B. Pressurized containers
• C. Liquid containers
• D. Solid containers

Answer: (B)

BLEVE stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. It happens when a vessel that contains a liquefied gas under pressure is heated or compromised, causing the liquid to flash to high-pressure vapor inside the container. The rapid vaporization and continued pressure build-up force the container to fail or rupture, producing a massive explosion and a dispersal of hot gas and fragments.

This hazard is tied to pressurized containers because the key factor is the liquid being kept above its boiling point under significant pressure. When the vessel fails, the liquid instantly boils away into a large volume of vapor, creating an explosive release.

Cryogenic containers are designed for extremely cold liquids and are not typically associated with BLEVE, though they have their own serious hazards. A general “liquid containers” category is too broad, and solid containers cannot hold a liquid that would flash to vapor under pressure.