L.P.G. APPLIANCES, CYLINDERS &
CARTRIDGES
People have been killed or injured in their homes, caravans, tent and boats by accidental fires and explosions involving gas in cylinders used with heaters, cookers, lights and refrigerators. These accidents can be avoided.
Accidents most frequently occur as a result of gas leaking when people are assembling appliances or changing cylinders or cartridges. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is butane or propane stored as a liquid under pressure. A small leak can produce a large volume of highly flammable gas. The gas is heavier than air so that it collects near the floor or ground and can be ignited at a considerable distance from the source of the leak. If escaping gas is ignited in a room or other space there may be a fire and an explosion.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN ASSEMBLING APPLIANCES AND CHANGING
CYLINDERS OR CARTRIDGES
* Read the manufacturer's instructions before you start and follow them
carefully. If in doubt ask your local dealer for advice.
* Do not smoke and make sure there are no flames (such as pilot lights) or working electrical appliances in the vicinity when connecting or
changing cylinders or cartridges.
* If possible assemble appliances or change cylinders or cartridges in
the open. If the appliance is not easily portable, open windows and
doors to give good ventilation.
IF CYLINDERS ARE FITTED WITH HAND-OPERATED VALVES
* Check that the valve on the empty cylinder is closed before
disconnecting the cylinder.
* Before removing the protective plug or cap from a new cylinder ensure
that the cylinder valve is closed.
* When reconnecting the regulator to a cylinder check that the sealing
washer is in position and in good condition and test the connection for
leaks with soapy water. On no account use a lighted match or any
other flame for this purpose.
* For cylinders fitted with automatic valves: reconnect to the appliance
immediately if leaks are present on disconnecting.
* Never remove a pierceable cartridge from an appliance without first
making sure that the cartridge is empty. Before fitting a new cartridge
make sure that the appliance tap is closed, that the valve assembly is
completely unscrewed from the appliance and that the sealing washer
is in good condition and correctly positioned.
* Cartridges with self-sealing valves: before attaching a new cartridge
see that the appliance valve is closed and check the washers on the
appliance and cartridge. Then make sure that the cartridge is screwed
fully home into the connection keeping it upright and without using
tools.
* Flexible hose - always ensure this is connected by clips to both the
appliance and the regulator or cylinder. Check the hose periodically
for signs of age or cracking.
* Test for leaks by applying soapy water to all joints and connections.
Never use a lighted match or any other flame.
PORTABLE HEATERS
Every year over 100 people die and nearly 1000 are injured in their homes as a result of fires caused by heating appliances; many of these fires involve portable heaters. This section gives advice concerning portable equipment; many of the principles also apply to permanent installations.
Any type of portable heater can start a fire if it is misused; make sure you read and understand the manufacturer's instructions before using one.
Remember
* Turn off portable heaters before going to bed.
* Always follow the manufacturer's operating & maintenance
instructions.
* Keep the heater clean and well maintained.
* Ventilate the room in which the heater is being used.
* Make sure that a permanent safety guard is fitted.
* If a heater is to be used in one place for a long time fix it securely to a
floor or wall.
Whatever type of heater you use:-
*Do NOT move a heater while it is alight or switched on.
*Do NOT stand or sit too close, your clothing may ignite.
*Do NOT place a heater too close to furniture, bedding or curtains.
*Do NOT air or dry clothes over a heater
*Do NOT place heaters where they are likely to be knocked over.
*Do NOT leave a portable heater on if young children or animals are left unattended.
*Do NOT use flammable adhesives, cleaning fluids or aerosol sprays near a heater.
Electric Heaters
*Buy a heater which carries the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board
(BEAB) approval mark.
*Maintain your heater, keep it clean and ensure the flex is not damaged.
*Keep flexible leads as short as possible.
*Position the flex so that it will not be tripped over, or pass beneath doors or other
obsticles that may cause it to become frayed.
*Ensure that the flex is not exposed to high temperatures.
*Plug the heater directly into the socket, avoid using multi-way adaptors.
*Fit a fuse of the correct rating in the plug.
*Do NOT control a radiant heater with a time switch or thermostat.
*Unplug the heater when not in use.
Portable Gas Heaters
There are now many forms of powerful domestic heaters available which
are fuelled by cylinders of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
*Buy a heater that carries the British Standard Institution (BSI) kitemark.
*Ensure that the appliance is serviced regularly.
*Change the cylinder in open air. If this is not possible,
open windows and doors to increase ventilation before
doing so. Never change a cylinder on a stairway or
other escape route.
*Extinguish all sources of ignition, including cigarettes
and pilot lights, and turn off other heaters and electrical
appliances before changing the cylinder if it has to be
done indoors.
*Check that the valve on the empty cylinder is closed
before disconnecting the heater. Do NOT turn on the
valve of the new cylinder until the heater is securely
connected.
*Search for any suspected gas leak by brushing soapy
water onto the flexible hose and fittings. If a leak is
found, take the heater and cylinder into open air and
do NOT use them until the faulty part has been replaced.
*Store spare cylinders outside where possible. Never store
them in basements, near drains, under the stairs or in a cupboard
containing electric meters or equipment. Spare cylinder must be stored
upright.
Paraffin Heaters
*Buy a heater that carries the B.S.I. kitemark. NEVER buy a
second hand paraffin heater as they can be
dangerous.
*Use only premium grade paraffin and Never use other fuels.
*Extinguish the heater and allow it to cool before refilling it. Wherever
possible, refill the tank outside the building.
*Fill the fuel container to just below the maximum level, to allow for expansion when
the paraffin warms up.
*NEVER allow paraffin to overflow or drip onto the floor. Clean up any
spillage immediately.
*Ensure the heater is standing level, preferably on a non combustible
base, and is away from draughts before lighting it.
*Keep spare fuel outside the home. No more than 23 litres (5 gallon), and
preferably only 9 litres (2 gallon) should be kept. Spare fuel should be in
purpose made containers and stored away from sources of heat.
In The Event Of A Fire
*CLOSE THE DOOR TO THE ROOM WHERE THE FIRE IS BURNING.
*GET YOUR FAMILY AND YOURSELF TO SAFETY OUTSIDE THE
BUILDING.
*CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE.
