In South Africa, many households rely on LP gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) for cooking, heating, and even for heating water. Here at Budget Gas, we provide LP gas in Pretoria and the surrounding areas.
It’s a popular choice due to its efficiency and affordability, especially during load shedding, or general power outages, when electricity becomes unreliable.
However, as useful as LP gas is, it comes with its own safety risks and responsibilities. To ensure your family’s safety, it’s essential to follow these LP gas appliance safety tips, and precautionary steps when using LP gas appliances.
Safety Checklist: You can refer back to it when doing your safety checks.
1. Check for Leaks Regularly
One of the most important things to monitor is gas leaks. And the simplest way to do this is to use a “soapy water test”. Mix soap with water and apply it to gas fittings or hoses. If you see bubbles forming, there’s a gas leak.
Always do this test before lighting any gas appliance, especially after a long period of disuse.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Gas appliances need ample air circulation to function correctly. Without proper ventilation, harmful gases like carbon monoxide (CO) can build up. If you are using gas in the kitchen, keep windows open while cooking, and if you are using indoor gas heaters, make sure there’s at least one window slightly ajar to allow fresh air to flow.
Should you be using a large gas setup, make sure that the bottles are stored outdoors.
3. Inspect Hoses and Connections
Over time and with regular use, gas hoses can wear out or become damaged. You should check hoses for any signs of wear, cracking, or deterioration and replace any worn-out parts immediately. You can do this yourself or you can call in a professional.
4. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
South Africa’s cooler winters make gas heaters a go-to for many households. However, carbon monoxide is a silent, odourless threat that can come from poorly ventilated or malfunctioning gas appliances.
To reduce the danger, you can install a carbon monoxide detector near your gas appliances, especially in rooms where heaters or stoves are used.
5. Schedule Regular Maintenance
It’s essential to have your gas appliances serviced by a certified gas technician at least once a year. This is especially important for built-in appliances, such as gas stoves or geysers.
Should repairs need to be done, you should also let a gas technician do the work as this ensures compliance with South Africa’s stringent gas safety regulations.
6. Store Gas Cylinders Safely
The improper storage of gas cylinders can lead to accidents, particularly if the cylinders are exposed to heat or stored incorrectly.
You should always keep gas cylinders in an upright position, well away from direct sunlight or some other heat sources. Ideally, you should store your cylinders outside, in a well-ventilated area.
7. Turn Off the Gas When Not in Use
This may seem simple, but it’s easy to forget. When you’re done using your stove, heater, or geyser, always turn off the gas supply.
For appliances that run on a portable gas cylinder, you can turn the valve off at the cylinder itself.
8. Check Flame Colour
The flame on your gas appliance can tell you a lot about its performance.
A healthy flame should be blue. If it’s yellow or orange, this could indicate incomplete combustion, which might lead to carbon monoxide production. In this case, get your appliance serviced immediately.
9. Use the Right Regulator
Your gas cylinder should have the correct regulator that matches your appliance. Using the wrong type of regulator can lead to uneven gas flow or leakage.
You should always make sure that you’re using an SABS-approved regulator, one designed for your specific appliance.
10. Emergency Plan
In case of a gas leak or fire, everyone in your household should know the correct emergency procedures.
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, immediately turn off the gas supply at the source, open your windows, and avoid using any electrical devices (even light switches). You should also call for professional help right away.
LP gas appliances can be safe and reliable with proper care and maintenance. However, if you’re unsure or need professional assistance, it’s always better to be cautious and call in the experts.
At Budget Gas, we can provide you with expert advice, certified technicians, and high-quality gas appliances and supplies to meet your needs. Contact us today for more information.