Gasoline and volatile solvents in a sewer are problematic primarily due to their potential to cause

• A. Explosion Hazard
• B. Corrosion of Pipes
• C. Odor Problems
• D. Nuisance to Workers

Answer: (A)

Gasoline and volatile solvents release easily ignitable vapors that can accumulate in the confined spaces of a sewer, such as pipes and manholes. When these vapors form a flammable mixture with air and an ignition source is present, they can ignite or explode, posing a serious hazard to the sewer system and to workers. Odor issues can signal a leak, but they don’t by themselves create the explosive danger. Corrosion and nuisance to workers are concerns, but the dominant safety risk in this context is the potential for an explosion from flammable vapors.