Do’s and Don’ts for GAS Bank in an Apartment Complex
Piped gas supply, also known as reticulated gas system have been slowly gaining good acceptance. Reticulated Gas System which was once considered as part of a luxurious amenity is now almost at par with regular apartment features in most new projects across India. In these times of high inflation and subsidies getting reduced by the government, a pay per use cooking gas concept is likely to evoke even stronger interests from all sections of the society.
A Gas Bank or a Reticulated Gas System is a centrally located one stocked in the ground floor of an apartment complex. The gas supplied by the gas bank to the respective apartment is recorded by a gas meter installed inside the regular entry point of the kitchen. Reticulated Gas System cuts out endless mental worries for housewives fearing they may run out of cooking gas during the festive season or while entertaining guests.
But as there are two sides for a coin, there are certain security and safety measures that need to be in place before adopting it. Let us look at some do’s and don’ts for having a gas bank in an apartment complex.
Regular Maintenance: The gas bank must be regularly inspected by trained and certified engineers to avoid any malfunctioning of gas meters, pressure values or any other leakages.
Regulate Security Mechanism: Gas bank must have a state of the art security structure which must be covered by surveillance cameras linked to the security office of the apartment complex. Only the people associated with the gas bank maintenance team must be allowed entry into the gas bank.
Adopt Auto Shut off Operations: Auto shut off is a relatively new protective feature that must be embedded in housing complexes using old gas banks. Auto shut of features in this security tool work with sensors and can auto shut down the gas bank detecting any volumetric or pressure issues in gas supply to any part of the society. An auto shut down system can help have lives in case of an emergency of possible malfunctioning of the gas bank mechanism system
No Mobile Phones in Gas Bank: Mobile phones must be strictly restricted to not less than 10 meters radius from the gas bank as it can act as a catalyst leading to spiking of fire in the gas bank. The gas bank operatives must be certified professionals with prior experience in handling and maintaining such sensitive banks.
Restrict Unauthorized Entry: A lot of housing societies allow resident members to check the gas bank for their supplies in case the gas bank manager in not available. Allowing unauthorized entry of even residents can lead to a potentially dangerous situation. The housing society needs to make sure that the gas bank has at least one operational manager present 24/7.
Avoid Unnecessary Wiring: Gas bank must have very sensitive wiring and insulation. Any unnecessary wiring or loose connections must be avoided as it can lead to a possible explosion and fire. The best recommended to avoid any contact of electricity in the gas bank is to develop the gas bank as per the security protocols with proper insulation rather than using any other room or empty section in the building as a gas bank.
