Safety tips for using gas appliances

With winter setting in, homeowners are advised to be vigilant when using LPGas roll-about heaters, patio heaters, water heaters or fireplaces.

This is because many will once again be turning to liquefied petroleum gas (LPGas) heaters, fireplaces and water heaters to keep their homes warm.

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa (LPGSA) is a non-profit industry body tasked with promoting the safe and compliant use of LPGas.

Gaahele Mokgoro of LPGSA advised that homeowners need to ensure the safety of their gas equipment as well as the cylinders they use.

“LPGSA advises consumers to consult registered professionals to assist with the correct installation and maintenance of their LPGas appliances. Consumers also need to ensure legally filled cylinders are in use at all times,” said Mokgoro.

General safety tips

• Always consult the manual that came with the appliance for specific safety tips.

• Keep LPGas appliances and fittings in good condition via regular servicing.

• It is important to ensure your LPGas appliance has been manufactured as per the safety standards set out by SABS. To check your appliance’s status, enter the appliance’s model number, available on the data badge, into the search tab at www.lpgas.co.za/safe-appliance-database/

• LPGas appliances should only be serviced and installed by licensed LPGas installers or service companies.

• A registered LPGas installer will carry their SAQCC Gas registered licence card. It details the installer’s scope as well as the expiry date of the licence card.

• Once the registered installer has completed installing the water heater, they must sign and hand over a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to the homeowner.

• Check your appliances regularly for deterioration in performance, signs of corrosion and minor leaks.

• Make sure the area in which you use your LPGas appliance is well-ventilated.

• Do not detach cylinders, regulators or any connections while the LPGas appliance is in use.

• Do not leave appliances unattended while in use.

• Ensure the gas supply is turned off at the cylinder after use and while the appliance is unattended.

Purchasing and refilling your LPGas cylinder:

• Consumers of LPGas in South Africa must ensure they are purchasing legally filled LPGas cylinders.

• When exchanging your empty cylinder for a filled one, make sure your replacement cylinder has been legally and safely filled by checking that there is a shrink wrap seal covering the cylinder valve.

• Do not accept the cylinder if there is no seal or if the seal is clear with no writing or branding.

• If the seal only has the words LPG or LPGas printed on it, do not accept the cylinder – even if the seal is a coloured one.

• The only acceptable seal has the same branding on the seal as is on the body of the cylinder.

Checking for gas leaks

• Make sure you use the correct size of a cylinder for the appliance you are using.

• Once you have connected the regulator to the cylinder valve, open the valve one and a half turns only – it is not necessary to open it further.

• Before using the appliance, wait half a minute or so to see if there is any smell of gas.

• If there is a smell, immediately close the valve and contact an LPGas dealer to check and, if necessary, service the appliance.

• You can also check for a leak by applying a soapy water solution on all joints. The soapy solution will create bubbles if the gas is leaking.