What Caused this Rig Fire?
Spray Foam Insider interviewed the owner of this rig to discover how this accident happened. According to the owner:
“After working for several hours, I opened the door to my rig and found that the gas cap on the air compressor had built up pressure. I loosened the cap a little to relieve some pressure when the explosion occurred. Gas spewed wildly out of the tank with fire following its path. It went everywhere so fast that I could hardly react. Thank God I was wearing a mask and google when it happened. My hands got the worst of it—2nd degree burns. I wore bandages for weeks and was allowed to remove them just before Christmas this year.
“I later learned that the gas cap on the air compressor did not have a relief valve at all. I called the company that made the air-compressor, but they were reluctant to talk to me, fearing a lawsuit. I explained that I was only concerned about understanding the problem. Apparently, this company made gas air-compressors with non-functioning gas cap—lesson learned.”
It is also important to also understand that all machinery produces heat. Heat from all machines inside a spray foam rig contribute to the overall heat that can build up inside. Proper ventilation is vital. Granted, there was a problem with the gas cap; however, the cumulative heat produced inside the rig contributed to the inside temperature reaching a critical limit faster. The owner of this rig agreed to allow us to share his story in the hope that his experience will keep others safer.