What condition could lead to a BLEVE?

A BLEVE, or Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion, occurs when a vessel containing a liquid under pressure experiences an increase in temperature, typically due to exposure to an external heat source such as a fire. This leads to a situation where the liquid begins to boil rapidly. When the pressure inside the vessel exceeds its design limits, it can fail catastrophically, resulting in a violent explosion as the boiling liquid rapidly expands into vapor upon release.

The correct answer emphasizes that boiling liquid under pressure, particularly from flame impingement, is a direct trigger for a BLEVE. The intense heat from the flames raises the temperature of the liquid inside the pressurized container, increasing the vapor pressure until the integrity of the vessel is compromised. This makes it crucial for rescue technicians to understand the implications of heat exposure on pressurized containers in order to mitigate risks during emergency situations.

Other choices, while related to pressures and hazardous conditions, do not directly lead to a BLEVE in the way that flame impingement does. For instance, fluid leakage could lead to other hazards but does not necessarily result in the conditions needed for a BLEVE. Similarly, a sudden temperature drop would generally reduce the risk of such an explosion rather than create it. Rapid evacuation of personnel