"Fun" with acetylene

[EWTHeckman]

One of the blogs I read every day recently posted this photo of the results of an acetylene leak.

[attachimg=1]

The guy this happened to was in the driver's seat when it blew. [eek] Amazingly, he survived! You can read more about it here.

That also prompted a link to another similar incident a few years ago, which did this to a plumber's van, also the result of an acetylene leak. Again, everyone survived.

[attachimg=2]

So, remember to hug your loved ones as soon and as frequently as possible. And routinely check your equipment.

Have a safe Christmas everyone!

 

[Alan m]

wow.  thats both scary and cool at ther same time. the way it blew off the outer skin is fasinating. the second pic is just frigtening

 

[ossietim]

Young guy died a couple of days ago about 1km away from me.I heard the blast.
http://m.theage.com.au/victoria/hissing-sound-before-fatal-mulgrave-van-blast-20111212-1oq3q.html

 

[EWTHeckman]

Young guy died a couple of days ago about 1km away from me.I heard the blast.

Dang. Yet more reason to make sure safe practices are followed.  [crying]

Interestingly enough, the article you linked mentions the explosion in the second picture. It says the owner of that van was convicted and fined $25,000 for his safety failures; as if the fact that he could have been killed wasn't enough motivation.

I reiterate: have a SAFE Christmas everyone!