What are the main hazards from a BLEVE?

A Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) poses several hazards, primarily due to the explosive release of pressurized liquid and gas. When a pressurized vessel fails, it can result in a violent explosion that generates a fireball, shrapnel, and toxic vapors, significantly endangering nearby personnel and infrastructure. Furthermore, the rapid expansion of vapor can create a blast wave, potentially leading to secondary explosions or fires. The combination of these effects makes BLEVE incidents particularly catastrophic in industrial settings.