In an industrial and occupational safety context, a line break accident occurs when workers open pipes, valves, flanges, or vessels containing hazardous materials—such as toxic chemicals, flammable liquids, high-pressure gases, or high-temperature steam—and an unintended release occurs.
Because these accidents can result in severe chemical burns, toxic inhalation, explosions, or physical trauma from pressure blasts, line breaking is heavily regulated and requires strict safety protocols.
SAFTENG NOTE: Line Break is NOT “heavily regulated. In fact, there is NOT safety standard or RAGAGEP that provides guidance on Line/Equipment Opening and ONLY OSHA’s PSM standard requires a LEO program.
Here is a breakdown of why these accidents occur and how to prevent them.