02e39f42_stem_Risks_of_Alternative_Fuel__Background
[Hazard --Event] Vehicle fire --from fuelsystem leaksdue to poordesign [Consequences] Fires from liquid fuels are limitedby the relatively slowevaporation of the fuel. Forgaseous fuels, this limitationdoes not exist and large firescan develop quickly. [Knowledge] The design experience base foruse of high pressure gaseousfuels on vehicles is stillrelatively small. Although CNGvehicles have been operating fora number of years, many weresmall volume conversions andthe engineering experiencegained was not necessarilytransferred or transferrable toother installers. [Background] 
The use of compressed natural gas fuelinvolves materials, components, andtechniques which have not been generallyused on motor vehicles. Often, productionCNG vehicles differ significantly in design from"breadboard" prototypes previously used bygas utilities and others as demonstration CNGfleets.
Clean Air Program -- Assesment of the Safety, Health, Environmental and System Risks of Alternative Fuel
Background