Safety Tips

General Safety

• LPG vapour is heavier than air. Any leakage will sink to the ground and accumulate in low-lying areas.
• Do not store highly combustible material, ignition sources and hot surfaces at ground level or lower than the LPG vessel or anywhere adjacent to the vessel.
• LPG vapourises and cools rapidly. It can therefore inflict severe cold burns if spilt on the skin or if some types of LPG equipment are touched without protective gloves and goggles being worn.
• LPG is non-toxic. It has, however, an anaesthetic effect when mixed with air in high concentrations. The greater the concentration (as available oxygen declines), the greater the risk of suffocation.
• LPG is odourless. A stench agent is added to allow for detection of LPG leaks. NEVER try to detect leaks with a naked flame or other kinds of ignitions!
• LPG is flammable like all petroleum fuels. It must be stored away from sources of ignition and in a well-ventilated area.
• LPG expands rapidly when the temperature rises. Storage tanks, pipelines and equipment must be protected against the high pressure resulting from liquid expansion with rising temperatures.
• LPG will cause natural rubber and some plastics to deteriorate. Only use hoses and other equipment specifically designed for LPG.

Safe Storage

• Store cylinders in a well ventilated place, away from open flames, electrical appliances and power points.
• Do not store in a cellar or in a closed area. The gas is heavier than air and will “flow” into low points and collect, causing a flammable mixture.
• Never store the cylinders near to a heat source or in direct sunlight.
• Always use a hose designed for use with LPG. The hose should have a maximum length of 2m with clamps at both ends. Hoses should be replaced every 2 years as they deteriorate over time.
• When in use, all cylinders must be equipped with pressure regulators designed specifically for either propane or butane, which will regulate the pressure when temperatures change. Use the correct regulator for the type of gas.
• Always follow the instructions supplied when connecting the pressure regulator to the cylinder and do not open the cylinder valve or regulator tap until the pressure regulator is securely attached.
• Never smoke while connecting the equipment and do not check for leaks with a flame.
• Look at the washer of the pressure regulator or valve before connecting each new cylinder. If the rubber looks worn or damaged, replace it or contact your supplier.
  

Using LPG to Cook Safely

• Make sure the cylinder is upright.
• Place the gas cooker and cylinder above ground level with the cooker positioned higher than the cylinder.
• Ensure that the rubber hose does not touch the surface of cooker.
• The correct way to light a non-automatic cooker is as follows:
  • Light a match
  • Put the flame to the burner
  • Turn on the cooker’s valve
• When cooking, keep doors and windows open.
• Do not rest hot cooking appliances on the cylinder.
• Never subject the cylinder to excessive heat.
• Turn off the valve or regulator tap when you have finished cooking.
• If you will not be cooking for a long period, remove the regulator and seal the valve nozzle with the red safety cap provided.
• Do not let children handle the cylinders or appliances.

Safety Checks

• Regularly check your hose for signs of damage or cracking.
• Check the hose connection for leakages by applying a soap solution. DO NOT test with naked flame.
• Replace the hose and clips every 2 years with approved types, which can be obtained from Easigas dealers.
• Replace regulators every 5 years with approved types, which can be obtained from Easigas dealers.

Empty Cylinders

• Turn off the taps of the connected appliance, then close the cylinder valve or regulator tap. Seal it with the yellow safety cap provided. Use the red safety cap provided for duo valve cylinders.
• Always return your empty cylinders to your supplier.

Gas Leak Inside

If you smell gas:

• Turn off the valve of the tank or cylinder.
• Extinguish all naked flames immediately.
• Do not operate any electrical equipment and be aware of any equipment, which may switch on or off automatically.
• Open all doors and windows to ventilate the area.
• Contact your installer or the technician who maintains your appliances.
• If the leak is on a cylinder, move the cylinder to a well-ventilated outdoor area.

Gas Leak Outdoors

• Turn off the gas at the main shut off valve of the tank or cylinder.
• Extinguish all naked flames immediately.
• Call Easigas.
• Restrict unauthorised access to the area.
• If the leak is on a cylinder, move the cylinder to a well ventilated outdoor area.

Major Leak or Fire

• Call the fire brigade, advising them it is a leak/fire involving LPG.
• For a leak or a fire indoors, get everyone out of the premises. For a leak or a fire outdoors, evacuate all persons from the area and keep upwind of any leak.
• Call Easigas.
• When the fire brigade arrives, indicate to them all areas where LPG is stored (tanks or cylinders).