The best way to ensure your safety when you are making use of LPG is to know a bit more about its properties. Once you have the right knowledge and information, it will be easier to make some common sense decisions regarding your use of LPG, and you can have better peace of mind knowing that you have made the right precautions as well.
The properties of LPG that you should know about
Basically, LPG, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, is a liquid which is colourless, and it has the ability to evaporate and turn into gas form. LPG does not really have a smell of its own, but manufacturers of LPG add an odour to it so leaks can be easily detected. LPG, whilst relatively safe on its own, may explode or burn when it combines with the right proportion of air and a source of ignition.
What you should also be aware of is that LPG is actually heavier compared to air, and it can also flow and collect in gullies, cellars, and drains and drainage systems. LPG is placed into cylinders which are pressurised in order for it to remain in liquid form. These LPG cylinders are often strong and durable and can withstand force and damage, although the cylinder’s valve (located at the top) may be susceptible to force or impact. A leak can also occur through a bad valve or connection through the pipes if the connections or valves are not properly maintained.
Rules to remember for the safe use of LPG
The properties of LPG that you should know about
Basically, LPG, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, is a liquid which is colourless, and it has the ability to evaporate and turn into gas form. LPG does not really have a smell of its own, but manufacturers of LPG add an odour to it so leaks can be easily detected. LPG, whilst relatively safe on its own, may explode or burn when it combines with the right proportion of air and a source of ignition.What you should also be aware of is that LPG is actually heavier compared to air, and it can also flow and collect in gullies, cellars, and drains and drainage systems. LPG is placed into cylinders which are pressurised in order for it to remain in liquid form. These LPG cylinders are often strong and durable and can withstand force and damage, although the cylinder’s valve (located at the top) may be susceptible to force or impact. A leak can also occur through a bad valve or connection through the pipes if the connections or valves are not properly maintained.
Rules to remember for the safe use of LPG
- If you are planning to have an LPG installation in your home or business, always make sure that it is fitted and installed only by a fully-licenced and registered gas engineer or fitter. The gas engineer will be the one responsible for making sure that the new appliances or replacement elements are connected and tested in the correct way. The gas engineer should also be able to explain the proper operation of the appliance(s) and give you written instructions when necessary.
- On your part, you should make sure that all your LPG fittings and appliances remain in good condition. These fittings and appliances should be serviced regularly by a gas engineer, and make it a point to learn about emergency practices and procedures if ever you detect a leak. Additionally, if you have an appliance running on LPG that cannot or does not function properly (perhaps due to poor ventilation or damage to the appliance itself), this may result in the production of carbon monoxide, which is a gas that is extremely poisonous. The smell of car exhaust may indicate the presence of carbon monoxide.
- Another safety rule you should remember is never to use any LPG appliance specifically for cooking as the heater for a room. Also, never connect any appliance using LPG to another supply system for gas.
- Be mindful of ventilation when operating an LPG appliance. Do not seal any doors or windows (for additional warmth, for instance) when you are using an LPG appliance. There should always be enough ventilation when you are making use of an LPG appliance.
- Your LPG cylinders should never be stored on their side or upside down – they should always be stored and used upright. If the LPG cylinder is on its side for a long time, the liquid LPG may actually escape.
There you have it – a list of the most important safety rules and precautions to take when operating an LPG appliance or when using LPG. For your utmost peace of mind, you should always rely only on registered and experienced gas safety engineers. Milgas has supplied numerous homes and businesses in London with fully-qualified gas engineers. If you are looking for a gas engineer London, look no further than Milgas.
