Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been used in a variety of domestic and industrial applications for many years now, and it is proven safe as long as it is stored and used properly. But it’s also no secret that a mishandled gas cylinder can cause some serious dangers.
If you have one at home, here are some of the most important things that you need to know:
Proper handling
All compressed gas cylinders, whether full or empty, should be secured properly with a chain or strap between the “shoulder” and “waist” to keep them from moving and falling over. Any empty or unused cylinders should be capped at all times to avoid any leaks. Even empty cylinders can still have some residue gas that could be a potential hazard.
Proper storage
Aside from securing the cylinders properly, they also need to be stored in a well-ventilated outdoor area where they can always be positioned upright. Never store your gas cylinder indoors, especially in tight areas, to avoid the risk of an explosion. You should also avoid storing any aerosols, petrol, or flammable liquids near your cylinders.
And aside from positioning your cylinders upright at all times, you also need to make sure that the pressure relief valves are facing away from any combustible materials or dwellings.
Proper usage
You must learn how to use your gas cylinders properly to avoid any chances of an accident that could lead to damages and even loss of life. For one, you should never use your cylinders inside a confined space or connect and disconnect it near a naked flame. LPG catches fire quickly, and explosions have happened before because of people operating their cylinders near a flame.
It’s also vital to ask your supplier how to operate your cylinder before using it since some cylinder valves may vary. If you’re having a hard time opening or closing the main cylinder valve or if you think that there’s something wrong with any part of the cylinder, contact your supplier right away.
Proper maintenance
To ensure that your gas cylinder is working properly, you need to make sure that it is properly maintained and re-tested every 10 years. If you suspect a leak, you can check it by spraying soapy water over the hose or connection that you think has leakage. If you see bubbles, that’s a sign of a leak, and you need to turn off your gas cylinder right away and call a licensed gas fitter to fix it.
Never attempt to fix any leakage on your own or use a naked flame to detect it because that could easily lead to an explosion.
Finally, make sure that you’re only getting your gas cylinders from a reputable supplier. This will help you ensure the quality and safety of your cylinders to avoid any hazards that could put you, your family, or your business at risk. Never settle for low standards just because they are cheaper. It is always important to be careful at all times, especially when it comes to handling, storing, using, and maintaining LPG.