Gas Cylinders are the most commonly used source of cooking gas around the world. However, they are highly flammable. Thus, you should be cautious while using gas cylinders. Precautions around gas cylinders are necessary at all the places where they are stored or used. The user might end up hurting himself and others if he mishandles the gas cylinders.
The industries are mostly equipped with the necessary safety essentials. They store gas in controlled temperatures and follow the required precautions. However, any mishandling in the industrial plant could lead to an explosion causing severe damage to life and property. Therefore, people who have gas cylinders at home need to take a few precautionary measures around their gas cylinders. Read on to find out more regarding some general safety precaution tips.
Storage Area
Gas cylinders for the home must have a proper storage space whether it is in use or used later on. Make sure you store a cylinder in a fully ventilated place at home. It should not be kept in direct sunlight because it may heat up, resulting in an explosion. Whether the cylinder is in use or storing it for later, make sure that it is kept away from electric sockets and any combustible material.
When placing it in the kitchen, ensure enough ventilation so that the cylinder does not heat up. When storing the cylinder outside, you should keep it in a wooden box with a wire net at the base so that LPG can escape in the air in case of a cylinder leak.
Cylinder Positioning
A gas cylinder should always be placed in a vertical position on a leveled floor irrespective of the gas in it. Some people tend to increase the pressure by placing the cylinder horizontally. However, that is the worst that you can do for yourself and your family.
The gas is compressed with outside pressure, and any mishandling could lead to a harmful explosion. Therefore, always use the cylinder vertically upwards where the knob part stands up and the circular part placed on the leveled floor.
LPG Leakage
If you suspect leakage from the cylinder or smell LPG in your room, the first thing you do is open up the windows and doors for it to escape in the air. Do not light a lighter or a candle to confirm a leak; it can lead to an explosion. Instead, turn off the cylinder from the regulator and then check for leakage using soap and water. The soapy water will start creating bubbles if there is any leak. Once confirmed, call a professional for the repair.
Note that you should neither switch on nor turn off any electrical appliance when you suspect a leakage. Additionally, put the cylinder out in an open or a ventilated place for the gas to escape in the air.
Gas Cylinder Replacement
It is important to understand that you should only let an authorized LPG service provider refill or replace your gas cylinder. There are manual refilling options available at cheaper costs, but they are equally harmful also. The authorized service provider has all the equipment to tightly seal the compressed gas to provide safety for its users.
While taking a replacement, make sure you buy only a sealed cylinder that is neither damaged nor involved in any fire. Damaged cylinders are dangerous to be used. If your cylinder at home gets damaged because of a fall or something hit, you must dispose of it off at the earliest. Do not dispose of it in the trash can. Instead, contact the gas cylinder provider to ask if they take back damaged cylinders or suggest the place that does.
Maintenance
Contrary to how people treat gas cylinders, it needs to be well-maintained and serviced from time to time. Most of the accidents related to gas cylinders occur because of the malfunctioning of any of their parts. It is true that any issues in gas cylinder parts are not easily visible and need a thorough evaluation. However, if you regularly check the cylinder, you will be able to prevent damages.
Check your cylinder for any dents, rusting on the regulator tip, cracks in the pipe, etc. Additionally, you should consider the validity period, manufacturing date, and retest dates. You can use this information to replace the cylinder in time and prevent any major damages.
Transportation
When transporting the cylinder, it has been seen that people roll the cylinders or throw them on the ground. It is not the right way. You should never roll the cylinder, always pick it up and ensure that the valve is pointing upwards.
Turn-Off When Not in Use
If you are not at home or the cylinder is not in use, ensure that you always turn off the cylinder valve. This is a very small but effective step in preventing major fire accidents.
Final Words
Gas cylinders are to be sued with utmost safety. Unfortunately, people tend to ignore the little things. However, the little things like turning off the regulator when not in use or using a low-pressure regulator, etc., help safeguard us and prevent any major accidents.
