Legal Definitions - extrahazardous

Extrahazardous describes an activity or condition that presents an exceptionally high degree of danger, exceeding the risks typically associated with ordinary activities. This heightened level of risk often necessitates extreme caution and specialized safety measures to prevent harm to others.

• Example 1: Chemical Manufacturing Plant

  A chemical manufacturing plant stores large quantities of highly volatile and flammable chemicals in tanks on its property, located near a residential neighborhood. The storage of such chemicals is considered extrahazardous because, despite safety protocols, the inherent nature of these substances means that any accident—such as a leak, fire, or explosion—could cause widespread and severe harm to both the plant's employees and the nearby community. The potential for catastrophic damage is unusually high.

• Example 2: Controlled Demolition in an Urban Area

  A construction company is hired to demolish an old building in a dense urban environment using controlled explosive charges. This demolition method is an extrahazardous activity. Even with careful planning and execution, the use of explosives carries an inherent and significant risk of unintended damage, flying debris, or structural instability that could affect adjacent buildings, pedestrians, or workers, making it far more dangerous than standard demolition techniques.

• Example 3: Keeping Exotic, Dangerous Animals

  An individual maintains a private collection of several venomous snakes, such as cobras and rattlesnakes, within their suburban home. Keeping venomous snakes is an extrahazardous undertaking. Despite precautions like secure enclosures, the potential for an escape or a bite from these animals poses an unusually severe risk of serious injury or death to the owner, household members, or even neighbors, making it far more dangerous than owning typical pets.