Do you use gas for stoves or heaters in winter? We all know that gas is a handy, clean and powerful alternative power source to electricity; but how many of us really know what safety measures to take when using it?
I heard some useful safety tips on Cape Talk earlier this week during Aden Thomas’s interview with Frank Forbay, a Station Commander of Fire and Rescue Services which prompted me to do a bit of research and share some of the most useful tips with you. According to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of Southern Africa website:
- You must never store a gas bottle near a direct source of heat (such as a stove, heater or direct sunlight).
- If you have to light your stove or heater always light the match before turning on the gas.
- Always switch off a gas heater before moving it around and transport it in an upright position.
- Replace worn or cracked connecting hoses or washers immediately.
- If you think that there is a leak use a paint brush to apply soapy water around each connection. The water will bubble where the leak is.
- If you smell gas:
- Extinguish any naked flames;
- Open all doors and windows to allow fresh air into the room;
- Turn off the valve of the cylinder;
- Have it checked out professionally.
- Do not reuse a cylinder that has been involved in a fire.
- And last but not least… have your gas appliances checked regularly.
According to the Gas Guide website this is important because poorly maintained gas appliances (in particular, gas fires) can emit carbon monoxide which is an odourless, colourless and potentially fatal gas.
Do you know of any other tips?
