Alt Text: Gas cylinders standing upright.
LPG or liquid petroleum gas is still one of the most efficient fuels for cooking, heating, and automotive use. Chances are that you have an LPG cylinder at home that you primarily use for cooking purposes. It’s cheap and efficient, making it the perfect heat source for everyday use.
Now ask yourself, when was the last time that you checked up on the LPG cylinders you have at home? While efficient, these can be highly dangerous especially if you aren’t careful with them. Here’s a quick checklist of the important things you need to take note of if you have an LPG cylinder at home, or if you are planning on buying one.
Buying An LPG Cylinder
- Trusted Names – It’s fairly easy to find a distributor of LPG cylinders. However, you should only get ones from trusted names. As per LPG experts from PlusGas, you aren’t just buying quality gas when buying from authorized distributors. You’re also paying for the safety of your family as well. Avoid buying LPG from resellers on platforms like Facebook and eBay as you aren’t guaranteed the quality of such products.
- Tank Quality – The tank itself should be in good condition. For starters, don’t accept it if the cylinder has dents or is already rusted. A brand new cylinder also often comes with a seal so make sure to look for these. Tanks in poor quality are a big no-no as they can be hazardous already.
- Weighing The Tank – If you’re buying directly from a store, then the provider should have a weighing scale to help accurately measure the weight of the tank and its contents.
- Look For Manufacturing Date – The cylinder should have the name of the manufacturer and the date it’s manufactured on the body. This is very important as well as LPG cylinders need to be re-certified after every decade. This is to ensure the quality and safety of the product.
Storing An LPG Cylinder At Home
- Storage Location – LPG cylinders are best installed outside the house. Preferably, in well-ventilated and dry areas. The cylinder should also be upright at all times. Some people prefer having their cylinders installed in the basement. This is okay but you need to make sure that the humidity in the room isn’t too high.
- Keeping Certain Objects Far – For starters, you should avoid having any open flames or heat sources near the LPG cylinder. Petrol, aerosol cans, or any other flammable liquids should be far from there too.
- Close Valve Tightly – When it’s not in use, make sure to close the LPG cylinder’s valve tightly. This ensures that the gas is no longer flowing, thus making it safer.
Using An LPG Cylinder At Home
- Do Not Touch Valves When In Use – Never try to attach and reattach the cylinder when the LPGis in use. This will cause an amount of gas to seep out. If you are going to move the cylinder, make sure that the valves are fully closed first. That being said, do not remove the cylinder’s tubes if there’s an open flame nearby as well.
Alt Text: Gas stove that’s turned off.
- Do Not Use In Windy Conditions – Experts suggest not using your LPG cylinder under strong wind conditions. Ideally, avoid using them when the winds are 10kmph strong. If these winds are present, shut off the valve immediately.
- Do Keep Away From Any Heat – The LPG cylinder should always be away from possible sources of fire. Open flames, sparks, and even hot objects should be taken as far away from the cylinder as possible.
- Do Not Force Your Valves Open – Never use undue force or pressure on the valves of the cylinder. If you feel as if the valve is stuck and it cannot be opened naturally, make sure to contact your manufacturer instead. Using too much pressure on the valve might cause it to pop off.
Maintenance Of LPG Cylinder At Home
- Avoid Getting It Wet – Storing the cylinder in wet or humid areas might cause it to corrode. Always store it in a cool and dry place. If your cylinder is already rusted, consider getting a replacement from your manufacturer.
- Make Sure LPG Cylinder Is Stable – Aside from making sure that it is always upright, the LPG cylinder should also be stable. Never place it on uneven surfaces as it could fall and get dented.
- Have It Checked For Damages – A quick look at your LPG cylinder can easily tell you that something’s wrong with it. Look for dents, corrosion, and possible leaks on the valve. If you see any signs of these, make sure to call your manufacturer quickly.
Getting an LPG cylinder is a serious responsibility. If you aren’t careful enough, you’re putting your home at high risk. This checklist should be more than enough to help guide you find the perfect LPG cylinder for your home. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to call for professional help.
