Being on the lookout

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has an added odour, which should be used as a security feature.

Make sure you use LPG in well-ventilated places only. Cylinder valves should be checked regularly and one can use liquid soap foam to test for leaks.

Bubbles with foam that appear when the valve is closed indicate leaks. Gas stoves and cooker tops should be serviced regularly and a cylinder should be stored in an upright position to make sure the gas cylinder valve is tightly closed when not in use.

After cooking, switch off by dosing the cylinder valve first. This allows all the LPG in the hose pipe to burn and the stove to extinguish on its own.

On entering a room with a filled cylinder of LPG, one should try to detect traces of the smell. The “smell” was specifically added in order to act as a signal of its presence in the atmosphere.

Once you detect the smell you open all the windows and check the cylinder valve. Never ignite a naked flame once you detect a leak.

Children usually play with cylinder valves by letting out LPG and pressure into the atmosphere.

It is, therefore, advisable to store them away from children. — Exclusive Brands Africa