What does BLEVE stand for?

BLEVE stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. This term is used in fire safety and hazardous materials response to describe a specific and dangerous phenomenon that can occur when a pressurized container holding a liquid that is close to its boiling point ruptures.

When a container containing a pressurized liquid such as propane or butane is exposed to heat, the liquid can start to boil and expand into vapor. If the pressure increases to a critical point, the container can fail catastrophically, leading to an explosion. The vapor that is released can ignite, causing fireballs and other hazards. Understanding this term is crucial for firefighters and hazardous materials teams as it helps them to recognize the potential dangers associated with pressurized flammable liquids and to take appropriate safety measures during emergencies.

Awareness of the BLEVE phenomenon is key in fire response situations to prevent injuries and to correctly handle incidents involving pressurized gases or liquids.