Tips for Safe Use of LPG Equipments

Presently, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is being used in every sector like domestic, commercial, industrial and automobiles. LPG is economical, environmentally pollution free and when used carefully, it is absolutely risk-free.

Explosions and fires that recently happened in different parts of cities caused many casualties, both victims of lives and material. These incidents are triggered by several factors, including the accumulation of leaking gas tubes, incorrect regulator installation, incorrect container use and installation location etc. You can use LPG safely if you apply simple safety rules.

Safe Handling of LPG

LPG gases are combustible and highly flammable. LPG can burn or explode when it comes in contact with air or a source of ignition. It has the potential to create a disaster. Since LPG is stored under pressure, it can leak from any joint or improperly sealed connection. Awareness or knowledge of safe handling LPG can eliminate the chance of fire or explosion. Following are some useful tips for safe handling of LPG cylinder.

• In the early morning, proper precaution is required to ensure that there no gas buildup in the room, by opening doors and windows prior to turning on the stove.

• LPG containers are not to be placed in close proximity to the stove or any other sources of flame.

• Ensure that the gas tube is not squashed or severely bent.

• Choose an LPG supplier who can provide you with well-maintained LPG cylinders, and after-sales support.

• Replace the LPG cylinder hose on a regular basis, and replace any damaged or worn hose with a new hose.

• Landlords who use agents to manage properties need to ensure that tenants are aware of safe use of LPG and LPG rubber tubes they use have an ISI mark.

• Never check for gas leaks using a lit match. Always use a solution of soapy water and look for bubbles coming from around valves and pipe joints. These bubbles indicate a gas leak.

• After securely connecting a new or refilled cylinder, apply some soapy water to the cylinder connections and turn on the cylinder.

• Any burning objects must be extinguished prior to installation of any equipment to the new LPG cylinder.

• Spare cylinders should not be kept next to cylinder in use.

• Do not store kerosene or other flammable equipments in the kitchen.

• In order to avoid danger, cylinders and its accessories must be used according to the usage instruction.

• Never switch on the electricity or light stove when LPG scents are present.

• Use a child-safe regulator on the LPG cylinder for domestic use.

• Using domestic cylinder for commercial purpose is illegal and if caught legal actions are taken against the consumers under the Essential Commodity Act which is forfeiture of cylinder, penalty and imprisonment up to 3 years.

• It is safer to evacuate everyone from the area.

Leaking of LPG

1. If escaping gas is not on fire, close any valve which will stop or reduce the flow of gas.
2. Turn off or remove any other source of ignition.
3. Ventilate the room by opening doors and windows
4. If you think that there is a danger of a fire, inform your gas supplier or Fire Department and your neighbors immediately.

LPG is on fire

• If you have a fire fighting equipment, make sure that you know how to use it, and that it is maintained regularly. If you can’t put it out, leave it to the fire brigade. It is safer to evacuate everyone from the area.

• A small fire from a container may be smothered by a wet cloth or dry powder extinguisher and then it may be possible to stop the leak and remove the cylinder to a safe location.

• If the gas is escaping in large quantities and has been ignited, immediately apply large quantities of water to all surfaces in the form of a jet, spray or fog.

• If the only valve which can be used to stop the flow of gas is involved in the fire, consider the possibility of effecting the shut-off by approaching the valve behind a water spray. This approach should be made at right angles to the flame and the spray used to reduce the intensity of the flame but not to extinguish it.

• Portable LPG cylinders should be removed to a safe location.

• If you feel the situation is not under control of you, call experts or call Fire Department immediately.

It is illegal to use domestic cylinder for commercial purpose. LPG has the potential to create a fire or an explosion. Therefore, it is important that the properties and safe handling of LPG are understood and implemented in the domestic and commercial/industrial usages. If you smell or suspect a gas leak, extinguish all naked flames and avoid using any electrical switches or appliances. Use carbon monoxide (CO) alarm as one useful precaution to advance warning of CO in the property. A leak in the pipe can be stopped by closing the regulator on the cylinder, but do this only if you can approach the cylinders safely. Take precaution and be safe in using LPG Cylinder.