ABSTRACT
One of the most important concerns associated with the production, transport, storage, or utilization of any fuel is how to guard against the potential toxic and environmental negative effects as well as the associated risks of fire and explosion. An enormous amount of information exists in the public domain that includes guidelines and directives for ensuring safe operation and handling of fuels of all types at all levels and applications. These include numerous rules, regulations, codes, good practice statements, instructions, etc., originating from all levels of government, industry, and professional, international, and trade associations. There are detailed reports in the open literature of case studies that may have involved life and property losses with important lessons to learn highlighted. These need to be studied, familiarized with, and followed by all those who work in the energy, engine, and fuel fields. Moreover, there is a need for a thorough knowledge of the potential fire and explosion hazards associated with the operation of engines on gaseous fuels in general, and for the planning to guard against the possibility of any damage that may arise from a hazardous situation. This is especially needed when research type testing and investigations are considered, such as those within a university laboratory setting, where inexperienced students may be present or are involved and where novel, unconventional, or untried procedures may be attempted. Efforts should always be first directed at eliminating the generation of any potentially combustible mixture rather than the mere elimination of potential ignition sources.
