Gas Bottles can be dangerous items

They  are  a  major  cause  of  accidental
fires and burns.

How long since you have checked yours?

Queenslanders love a barbie and most of us use a gas B.B.Q.   It is  recommended that you check gas bottles and fittings before firing up your barbecues this summer.

Department of Natural Resources & Mines, Petroleum and Gas Chief Inspector, John Fleming said equipment needed regular and thorough inspections, especially as many people headed outdoors for barbecues during the festive season.

“People need to first make sure their gas bottles have been tested by a competent authority in the last ten years, and are not past their expiry date,’’ Mr Fleming said.

“They need to check the gas bottle, including the base of the cylinder, for any sign of corrosion.

Mr Fleming said any signs of corrosion should be treated seriously and if there was any doubt about the integrity of the cylinder, it must be taken out of use.

“Barbecue fittings and hoses also need to be checked for any signs of fraying, cracking or splitting. You can check for gas leaks with a soapy water solution and brush after disconnecting and reconnecting any cylinders or gas hoses and equipment.”

Mr Fleming urged people to take particular care when transporting gas cylinders in vehicles. A number of recent accidents have shown that LP gas can present a serious danger if gas escapes during transport.

“Always ensure gas cylinders remain upright during transportation and avoid extreme heat, such as leaving a cylinder in the sun,” Mr Fleming said.

“In particular 9 kg cylinders (the ones used on caravans) must only be transported for the purpose of filling. Plastic plugs are being made available at cylinder filling places and these are recommended as an extra safety device when transporting cylinders.

“Once you’ve reached the destination remove the gas cylinder from the vehicle as soon as possible.”

Mr Fleming warned residents to use reputable outlets for filling or exchanging gas bottles and to never fill your own gas bottles.

The NR&M Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate covers the safety and health aspects of the petroleum and gas industries from exploration and production through to end use.

14 steps to safe barbecues this Christmas

1. Never use damaged gas cylinders and equipment.

2. Ensure cylinders have been checked by a competent authority within the last ten years.

3. Store cylinders upright at all times.

4. Never try to fill your own cylinders.

5. Check all hoses regularly for cracking fraying or splitting.

6. Check copper tubing for dents, kinks and corrosion.

7. Check for gas leaks (with a soapy water solution and brush) after disconnecting and reconnecting any cylinders or gas hoses and equipment.

8. Ensure adequate ventilation while equipment is in use.

9. If you smell gas turn off appliance and check for leaks with soapy water solution. If in doubt seek assistance.

10. Check your appliances for the AGA (Australian Gas Association) or the (QGA) Queensland Gas Association approval sticker when purchasing an appliance.

11. Place appliances where they cannot be knocked over.

12. Do not use plastic or other tubing as gas hose.

13. Never incinerate an ‘empty’ LP gas cylinder.     It may explode.

14. Do not subject cylinders to extreme heat or leave them in a vehicle for extended periods of time.