Incidents of cylinder blasts can inflict multi-system life-threatening injuries, causing loss of property as well as precious lives.
Recently, 4 people were rendered unconscious while 15 others were seriously injured in an explosion due to a gas leakage in Hyderabad.
Another similar incident took place in the Khayaban-e-Jami area of Karachi due to the explosion of a cylinder, as a result of which one person was killed and 4 people were injured.
Major causes of cylinder blast
A typical cause of gas cylinder explosions is gas leakage from the cylinder, connections, regulators, or fittings. Leaking gas collects in a confined space, mixing with air within the flammable range, which can detonate the gas cylinder within seconds if a spark or ignition source is added.
These explosions can also be caused by various explosive gases including natural gas (methane), LPG (propane or butane), CNG (methane), and welding gas.
According to the report, the main cause of gas cylinder explosions in most countries is faulty gas cylinders as they do not meet the manufacturing and safety requirements.
How to use a gas cylinder safely?
Most of these incidents can be inadvertent so always use them with caution.
Never drop the gas cylinder as this may damage the cylinder.
Place the gas cylinder in a place where there is no air leakage.
Do not allow the pipe of the gas cylinder to bend as this may damage the pipe.
How can gas emissions be prevented?
In addition to handling gas cylinders safely, you also need to ensure that you take all possible steps to prevent gas leaks in your home.
Always keep an eye on the burner.
Before using the cylinder, always check its pipes for damage.
How to detect a gas leak?
It should be noted that we cannot see gas but we can easily smell it, however, there are other ways to detect gas leaks.
If the color of the gas in your stove is changing, then check the gas cylinder once to see if it is leaking.
While using the gas cylinder, be careful that there is no hissing sound (typical sound of gas leaking) at that place.
What should be done after gas leakage is detected?
First, shut off the gas supply so that no more gas leaks.
Open all the windows and doors of the house to let in the fresh air.
Do not use devices such as laptops and mobile phones in this area as such objects create sparks that can ignite the already-released gas.
Do not under any circumstances smoke, or light a flame on such burners as this may cause an immediate fire.
How to avoid gas cylinder bursting?
Before using a gas cylinder, get a good understanding of its safety measures and how to use and handle the gas cylinder.
Keep gas tips out of reach of children when not in use.
Remember to keep the regulator knob in the off position when the gas cylinder is not in use.
Do not keep flammable and plastic near the LPG cylinders or kitchen.
Never install a gas cylinder in the bathroom as an accident can happen there very quickly.
