Canadian First Responder BLEVE Instructional Video and Manual

(Printable PDF)

Produced by

Transport Canada
Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs
Fire Protection Canada

Based on research done at Queens University in Canada:
http://me.queensu.ca/People/Birk/Research/ThermalHazards/bleve/

Description (from Transport Canada) -- The video concentrates on addressing critical safety issues affecting emergency responders by providing answers to common questions regarding accidents involving fire impingement of pressure liquefied gas tanks and BLEVEs (Boiling Liquid Vapor Explosion). Typical questions addressed include:

  • What is a BLEVE and its hazards?
  • What is a safe distance for emergency responders when a fire is close to a pressure tank?
  • How much water is required to keep a tank cool?
  • Does there have to be a fire for a BLEVE to occur?
The video sequences include 3-D animation and film footage of complete BLEVE scenarios, followed by more detailed examination of specific parameters using animated graphics.

Purchase DVD ($9 Canadian):
      http://shop.tc.gc.ca/TChtml/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=66083&language=US
Download (wmv format, 21MB, 21:50)
      http://download.isiglobal.ca/transport/BLEVE/BLEVEE-WMV128kbps.wmv
Accompanying Manual (29pp, charts and diagrams)
      http://www.tc.gc.ca/Publications/en/TP13649/PDF/HR/TP13649E.pdf
View online:
      Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btmy5JblMOg
      Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHRoRM-flgA
      Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KJdXyIHnJE

The importance of all this for first responders is underlined by the events described at

      http://ncsp.tamu.edu/reports/NFPA/vapor_explosion.htm

Excellent example of a BLEVE with a visible blast wave (Toronto, 2008):

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__1Ym_F94CE

(version: 4 December 2012)