Definition(s)
Runaway
A condition affecting diesel engines, where the engine overspeeds out of control, as a result of the introduction of airborne flammable gas or vapor via the air intake causing the engine to accelerate to progressively higher and higher revolutions per minute beyond the normal operating range to a point where the engine becomes damaged due to mechanical failure.
Source: Petroleum Safety Orders–Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. Regulations