The danger arising from damage to other pipelines depends on the nature of the conveyed fluid. Fluids and their associated risks include:
- Flammable liquids and gases — risk of fire and explosion.
- Fluids at elevated pressure — risk of injury from sudden release of contents.
- Toxic liquids and gases — risk of poisoning.
- Inert gases such as nitrogen and argon — risk of asphyxiation.
Very often a fluid will present a combination of risks; for example, a liquid may be both toxic and flammable.