Fire and how to prevent fire, was discussed in my last blog. I had even mentioned that I would be sharing safety measures on Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly known as LPG. LPG is a very popular fuel and is used to power a lot of things, but it is mainly used for cooking and as a fuel for vehicles. Developed countries have shifted to Compressed Natural gas (CNG) whereas developing nations still use LPG. The statistic information is mind boggling.
In India, especially in the domestic sector, LPG is used mainly for cooking. The number of domestic connections have been estimated to be 215 million (one connection for every six people) with a circulation of more than 350 million LPG cylinders. Apart from the above usage, LPG is also used as fuel in industries and to run automobiles. In industries, special containers called BULLETS are used which are isolated and hence, the risk is minimised. Piped gas connections are slowly becoming the order of the day but even today in India, LPG is supplied in Cylinders.
Most of us think that LPG is a gas but actually it is a mixture of Propane and Butane in the ratio 60: 40. The expansion ratio is very high which is1: 250. Hence, this can cause an immense problem if there is a leak. It is an inflammable fuel and just a spark is enough to ignite it. The LPG cylinders, which are used for cooking, contain 85% of it in liquid condition. Hence, safety precautions are an absolute must. LPG is also heavier than Air and thus, settles down rather than up.
Sometimes, we would have experienced a very typical smell when cooking is being done or with cylinders around. The original LPG does not have a smell. In 1944, there was an explosion in the USA which has lead to the addition of a chemical named Ethyl Mercaptan which gives out an odd smell to signify a leak. Let us discuss how to take care of this threat.
The use of LPG is through a cylinder which contains the gas, a hose which connects the cylinder to the burner and then a regulator to open and close the gas. Let us understand how to store, use it safely and what to do in case of emergency.
Safe storage and installation :
- Place Cylinder in a well-ventilated area, away from sources of ignition. Get it installed only by authorized dealers.
- Check whether the safety cap and security seal are in place. Don’t accept Cylinders without the safety cap and safety seal.
- Don’t change cylinders near sources of ignition. A naked flame or a spark could ignite any gas that is released.
- Attach the regulator and ensure that it is securely connected to the cylinder valve. Apply soapy water to check for leaks.
- Store cylinders that are not in use in a well-ventilated, secure area, preferably out of doors, away from direct sunlight, heat and other sources of ignition. Don’t store cylinders in basements.
Safe Usage :
- Use the correct hose and check its condition regularly. Hoses designed for use will be marked with a phrase such as LPG hose. It is recommended that hoses be replaced every 2 years.
- Use the correct regulator and check its condition regularly. It is also recommended to replace regulators 5 years after the date of manufacture.
- It is safer to use matches than lighters while lighting burners.
- Turn off the regulator and gas appliance when not in use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use and maintenance of your gas appliance.
- Check for leaks from time to time using soapy water. Never use a naked flame.
IF YOU SMELL GAS :
- Extinguish all naked flames.
- Eliminate all sources of ignition. Don’t switch ON or OFF any electrical equipment. Just a touch can cause a BLAST.
- Open doors and windows to increase ventilation.
- Turn off the gas supply at the cylinder. If leak is found to be on the cylinder, cover the leaking portion with a wet rag.
- If it is safe to do so, move cylinders to an open space away from people, buildings and source of ignition. Spray water on the cylinder to help dispense LPG vapour.
- Do not answer calls on the mobile phone.
It is always recommended to wear Cotton Fabrics in the kitchen than any other. Use of Cotton Aprons while cooking is a Best Practice. If the flame is flickering, it is an indication that the cylinder is almost empty. When it happens, never shake or roll the cylinder. When the Vendor delivers the cylinder, ensure that it is lifted and not rolled. Shaking or rolling of the cylinder is extremely dangerous. Keep a fire extinguisher or an old blanket handy in the kitchen.
I feel we have covered quite a lot in this blog.
Meanwhile, you can post your questions on my previous blogs to seshadri3225@gmail.com or you can post them on the
blog page.
Till then, stay safe.
SESHADRI VARADARAJAN
9840814353.
You have great talent in communication,Hats off sir! Well explained . Keep rocking
Sesha, fantastic outline covering all the important points. Since LPG use is so prevalent in India, this article is super important and useful to every household.
Excellent Sesha… Very elaborate and every step towards safety on crucial situations w.r.t LPG is covered and explained. You have also provided the scientific and chemical composition of the gases which many of us would not be aware of.
It will also be good if you could include some illustration, pictures and a practical video as follow up to the topics covered so far. It will be a recall and also help remember the safety measures.
It’s a good on sir and imp msg for the society to know.
Excellent Sir detail explanation Great work you have given each every detailing that’s is the highlight of this Blog super keep Rocking
This Would give the readers, a basic idea of handling LPG cylinders in an organized way. The best safety practice indeed well pointed.
Good info on Lpg safety awareness. This topic is the need of the hour since so many domestic accidents happen today because of Lpg blasts.
Good that someone has spoken about lpg after a best long time gap
Keep up ur work!!
Helpful article and a must read for the entire family. Fire is a great slave when handled properly, but waiting to break free to cause great damage, happens only with our negligence and lack of education on our part.
Ameen ji when you light a match stick you will first light it and then turn the knob of the burner. Whereas with a lighter you turn the knob and then strike. If the lighter does not spark it can cause damage when it sparks. Thanks for the question.
Very well compiled. LPG us like a ticking time bomb in our houses. We all need to be fully aware of how to use it safely.
One point which can be included: Once the cylinder is empty as kept aside, ensure that the safety cap is refitted on the cylinder.
Excellent article on LPG safety!! I have seen LPG vendors roll used/almost empty cylinders quite a lot of times. I believe it is still quite dangerous to roll such used ones too. Please pour in your thoughts about it. I have also noticed quite a lot of dented cylinders and cylinders which do not stand steady being supplied sometimes. I wish LPG gas agencies follow strict standards or at-least be monitored by a regulatory body.
Clear and neat explanation about the cooking gas which many aren’t aware. It’s the need of the hour that everyone must be empowered and I’m happy that you are in the correct path
The points mentioned on LPG safety are simply fab like always. To be honest you have a niche’ to connect the masses in a simple way which is a USP in your blog write ups.
Most of the people get panicked unaware of the situations,Such a Selfless work uncle,Really admire your work ,so Knowledgable i have shared it with few of my friends .Please keep posting
Well written and comprehensive blog. Great job, Sesha.
Nice infermation sir .. more use full for our ladies …
Hmmmm, most families, mine included, place the cylinder right under the gas stove. There would not be any ventilation (thanks to the modular kitchen concept) and as you said, LPG is a heavy gas in comparison with the surrounding air. How safe is this arrangement? Should it not be mandatory to detect LPG leakage in the kitchen?