precaution while using lpg

Being a highrisk energy form, all LPG appliances need regular maintenance to ensure that they remain in good condition. Regular servicing can help unearth any potential leakages or mishaps at the earliest opportunity. It provides homeowners with an ample opportunity to correct these errors before they mushroom into disaster. While servicing these appliances, it is wise to engage the services of an expert or contact a retailer for assistance.

It is responsibility of parents to ensure that their children do not operate any LPG appliance under any circumstance. These young ones are naturally curious; they might wish to explore how these appliances function. Their curiosity could prove costly to the house and its occupants. Parents should ensure that their children do not gain access to these LPG appliances because kids do not have the knowhow to operate these machines.

LPG appliances and combustible materials should not be in close proximity. As a safety measure, homeowners must keep their LPG appliances away from combustible components like furniture and curtains. This will reduce the chances of these materials catching fire and causing damage to other properties in the home.

LPG cylinders must always be stored in a safe place away from things that could trigger them to explode. Of equal importance is the need to use and store them in an upright position. This position is safe enough to ensure that no liquid seeps out of the cylinder.

After using an LPG appliance, it is advisable to close its cylinder valve. Those that have clipons should be turned off at their regulators. Switching off the cylinder valve is advisable especially in instances where the family is going away for a long time. Failure to do so could result in a leakage eventually culminating in disastrous results. In a world where efficient energy solutions are a major concern, LPG is established as an effective energy form. Their contribution to home heating and controlled cooking makes them popular among many households. These households should however prioritize their safety by using these LPG appliances in the right way.

LPG is a colourless liquid that evaporates into a gas. It has no smell, but does have an odour added to help detect leaks. It can burn or explode when it mixes with air in the right proportions and finds an ignition source. It is heavier than air. It can flow for long distances along the ground, and can collect in drains, gullies and cellars. LPG is supplied in pressurised cylinders to keep it liquefied. The cylinders are strong and not easily damaged, although the valve at the top can be vulnerable to impact. Leaks can occur from valves and pipe connections if the connections are not kept in good condition or if sufficient care is not taken when changing cylinders.

Ensure all fixed LPG installations are fitted and serviced by a licensed or registered gas fitter. The gasfitter is responsible for ensuring new or replacement appliances are connected, tested and adjusted properly. The gasfitter should explain appliance operating instructions to the consumer and provide them with a copy. Keep LPG appliances and fittings in first class condition. Have them regularly serviced. Check the appliance manual or contact the retailer to find out how often this is recommended. If any leak of gas is detected, refer to Emergency Procedures. If an appliance cannot burn its fuel efficiently (due to inadequate ventilation or a faulty or poorlymaintained appliance) it may produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas. While it is odourless it is accompanied by other emissions that may a produce a car exhaust smell and/or watery eyes.

Have portable LPG cabinet heaters serviced regularly to ensure all parts are leak free and operating properly.Click here for a list of service agents. Keep a clear zone around the heater of at least 1 metre when in use and keep it away from combustible materials such as curtains and furniture. Keep children supervised at all times when in a room with an LPG cabinet heater.

As long as the cylinder is kept upright any leaks will generally be of LPG vapour. If liquid LPG leaks it can cause cold burns to the skin and rapidly expand to produce a large volume of vapour. Check for any visible signs of leakage

Do not use unflued LPG appliances in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping annexes under any circumstances. Do not use them in caravans, marine vessels and other mobile vehicles. Incorrect use of LPG can result in explosions, fires, loss of property and most importantly, loss of lives. Do not neglect issues like leaking gas cylinders or tubes, damaged regulators, incorrect method of storage of LPG cylinders, etc.