The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminds consumers to follow the safety guidelines when buying, installing and maintaining LPG cylinders especially since several fire incidents have been reported due to improper LPG maintenance.

DTI-Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Group (CWTRG) Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya states, “It is distressing to know that many families have lost their homes and loved ones due of consumers’ negligence. It is clear that most consumers lack the knowledge on the safety and proper handling of LPG cylinders, which is why these accidents happen”.
“As consumers we must remember that we are responsible for knowing these safety guidelines”, Undersecretary Maglaya emphasizes.   

In the Philippines, LPG explosion has been ranked number 11 for causes of fire from 2008-2009.  A total of 176 LPG explosions in 2008 and 126 in 2009. On 2010 LPG explosions has dropped to 80 but still ranked number 13 as indicated in the fire cause report by the Bureau of Fire Protection, Investigation and Intelligence Division (BFP-IID). Half of the LPG fire-related cases in the Philippines from 2009 to 2010 were in the NCR region.

In line with these reports DTI-BPS provides safety guidelines that consumers need to remember when purchasing and handling their LPG cylinders. Consumers must always buy LPG tanks from authorized dealers and check if the LPG cylinders bear the genuine (Philippine Standard) PS mark, which is engraved on the collar of the cylinder. Other important markings embossed on the cylinder are the LPG brand name/trader’s name, date of testing, net contents in kilogram or tare weight, design pressure and serial number.  Always check for dents, gauges, corrosion on the body.

On usage and maintenance, place LPG cylinders in ventilated areas. Do not store LPG cylinders in enclosed kitchen cabinets and keep them away from electric points and other source of ignition. Use only LPG-resistant rubber hoses and regularly check for wear, cracks and leaks by applying soap from a sponge on the entire hose, especially on the clamps/ connections.  Don’t use a match, candle or any open light when checking for leaks. Replace rubber hose every two years.

On leaking gas smells in the kitchen, do not switch on/off or connect/disconnect electrical plugs. Turn off the LPG regulator and open doors and windows to improve ventilation. When not in use, always turn off both the stove burner and LPG regulator.  Do not invert the LPG cylinder or let it lie horizontally on the floor.

DTI-Bureau of Product Standards Officer-in-Charge Cirila S. Botor explains, “LPG is a very dangerous gas and a regulated leak such as an extinguished low fire burner in a well ventilated space, will not cause fire or an explosion since the gas will be easily diluted by the ambient air. But in a non-ventilated room as the gas concentration accumulates, a spark from a switch could cause an explosion.  This is the reason why storage of LPG should be placed in a well ventilated area”.

“In an event of LPG leak, do not panic, but immediately turn off the LPG regulator and open all windows and doors.  Turn off any electrical switches and go out of your house and come back after 10 to 15 minutes when the gas is gone and has been diluted by the air,” OIC Botor advises.

For clarifications, call DTI-BPS at 751.4724.

 

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