The use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has increased significantly over the past few years due to the availability of cost-effective and reliable LPGas-powered appliances. LPG is used in both commercial and domestic settings, mainly for cooking, water heating, and space heating. The use of LPG powered appliances has become a trend in South Africa as the need for alternative energy sources increase. The colder months are obviously the peak season for these appliances – especially the space heaters.
LPG is kept under pressure as a liquid and when released it becomes a highly flammable gas which is heavier than air. Therefore, when appliance safety guidelines are not closely followed, it can be potentially harmful.
Safe Gas Appliances
Consumers are advised to only purchase appliances that have a Permit Verification Number displayed on them. The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of South Africa (LPGSASA) and the Southern African Gas Association (SAGA) have established the Safe Appliance Scheme (SAS) and the Safe Gas Equipment Scheme (SGES) in order to ensure that all appliances and equipment installed in South Africa have been tested and are in compliance with the relevant South African safety standards and are fit for intended use. Any equipment that has not been manufactured according to the standard could be hazardous. Only equipment that has been awarded a Safe Appliance or Equipment Verification Permit may be used. A list of all permit carrying appliances can be found on: https://www.lpgas.co.za/safety/find%20a%20safe%20appliance/Search_Appliance.php
Installing Gas Equipment
Before LPG equipment can be used properly, it has to be installed properly. Consumers should never attempt to install LPG equipment themselves. Amateur installations have caused numerous accidents in the past, such as fires and gas leakages, which can be hazardous. As per South African law, only a registered Gas practitioner may install gas appliances or equipment. A comprehensive list of registered installers is available on: www.saqccgas.co.za where practitioners can be located by town/suburb.
The winter season is a peak time for LPGas consumption as the need to keep warm is immense due to the cold weather. As a result, the potential for fire related incidents increases as many of us use our heaters. Take note of the following safety precautions when using an LPGas heater;
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully.
- Always turn your heater off at the cylinder valve before going to bed or leaving the room or your property – in fact, at any time when the heater is not in use.
- Ensure all the components of your unit are well maintained e.g. the heater, regulator, hose and hose connections.
- When changing the cylinder, first close the cylinder valve and then remove the regulator.
- Always check that the rubber “O-ring” (washer) on the end of the regulator is not worn, brittle or damaged in any way. Replace it if it is.
- Test any gas appliance or heater for possible leaks by spraying a soap-water solution on all connections. Leaks will show in the form of bubbles and must be repaired immediately.
- Do not use aerosols or flammable, cleaning liquids or sprays close to the heater.
- Avoid sitting or standing too close to your heater– a safe distance would be approximately 1 metre.
- Always ensure that the room in use is ventilated so that there is a continuous supply of fresh air (oxygen).
- Ensure that your heater is positioned away from any flammable materials and is not blocking any escape route.
- Never place clothes or other items on or near your heater.
- Do not move your unit while it is in use.
- Educate children on the safe use of gas appliances and never leave them without supervision in a room where an appliance is located.
- If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas cylinder immediately and, if possible, take the heater outside.
- Only use LP gas appliances that are permitted to be sold in South Africa. A complete list is available on www.lpgas.co.za. Click on the ‘Safety’ button and then on ‘Find a Safe Appliance’.
- Have your heater serviced regularly
In order to receive maximum benefits from the efficiency of LPG appliances, it is important to ensure that all safety guidelines are closely followed. This will, in turn, warrant reliable and efficient energy supply.
For more information visit: www.lpgas.co.za where you will also find a short instruction video on the safe use of LPGas Roll-About heaters https://www.lpgas.co.za/Video/ROLLABOUT_HEATERS_SAFETY.mp4
