h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

According to what I've heard and read in the past, the thing about methane is that it is only explosive within a certain range of concentrations, too little and it won't explode, too much and it won't explode either (not sure how wide the band is).

One of the problems this gives is that if you are above the "explosive" concentration, then to get back to low/no methane you have to go through that "explosive" band again.

I only mention this because a lot is being said about gas build ups and explosions etc. The thing is we don't know what happened here and to what extent it was preventable. Hopefully we will, and as Ivan says, these things only become preventable because people take the time and trouble to investigate those disasters that do happen and put measures in place to TRY to prevent them happening again.

I hope as well as the police, coroner etc that we get an independent enquiry.

Kea, I think I heard someone say earlier that there was to be a Royal Commission as well. Is that the case?

The lower and upper explosive limits for methane are 5% - 15%

I haven't heard the news today Ivan, but having a look now it does seem that's what's happening. Which is good.

It's very good. While the labour regulators will have their enquiry and the Coroner will have an inquest, only a Royal Commission can look at the whole situation.