Washington FACE Report Details LNG Technician Fatality

A technician employed by a natural gas supplier for five years died two days after suffering burns when LNG vapor ignited at a temporary mobile transfer station, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Incident Details

The technician was offloading liquefied natural gas from a tanker semitrailer at the mobile station. The trailer belonged to the employer but was hauled by a driver from a contracted motor carrier. The technician connected an 18-foot transfer hose from the trailer control cabinet to a queen storage trailer and began the transfer.

The driver started the truck and drove forward 17 feet while the transfer remained in progress. This action disconnected the hose coupling. LNG vapor leaked and formed a large thick cloud in the work area.

Sequence of Events

A co-worker outside the area saw the cloud and attempted to warn the technician. The driver exited the cab and moved to press the emergency shutdown button at the rear of the trailer. The vapor cloud contacted an unknown ignition source and exploded.

The co-worker called 911, located the technician who was badly burned but alert, and moved him to a safer location. First responders transported both the technician and the driver to a hospital. The technician died from burn shock. The driver received treatment for minor burns and was released the next day.

Investigator Findings

Investigators determined the driver believed he could move the truck after receiving paperwork from a technician before the transfer ended. The driver did not exit the cab or complete a pre-trip inspection before moving the truck. The transport trailer wheels were not chocked before the transfer hose was coupled to the queen trailer, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Recommended Controls

The Washington State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program report, dated March 31 2026 and numbered 71-275-2026, lists specific controls. Employers should equip trucks with electronic interlock brake systems that lock wheels when the trailer control cabinet doors are open. Technicians and drivers should visually verify the parking brake is set, ignition is off, keys removed, and rear wheels chocked before coupling the transfer hose. Employers should also develop a step-by-step verbal communication procedure for technicians and drivers before, during, and after LNG transfers, according to Safety+Health Magazine.