11/05/2021
SAFE USE OF COOKING GAS
Some of the tips to ensuring safety in utilizing cooking gas include:
· Gas users must first and very importantly pay attention to the kind of gas they buy. There are a lot of people who cut corners and would sell you diluted products. That is why it is important you get your gas from reliable sources. The citizens of most countries recognize where to go to for the best petroleum products. And in a situation where you don’t know, don’t assume you do, seek knowledge on the best places to visit for the right product. Sometimes, users themselves intentionally visit black market to refill their gas. If there is any problem with your cylinder, chances are these people would not let you know or perhaps would even lack the knowledge to identify a problem. You would therefore be doing yourself and family a world of good by refilling you gas through the right channel.
· Just like most things in life, gas cylinders expire. In order to conserve funds, some people might want to manage their expired gas cylinder. But this is also the case of, like mentioned above, penny wise, pounds foolish. And as a matter of fact, almost all the tips that deals with safety in using cooking gas entails spending a little more money. But the wisdom in it is that when you spend that money now, it saves you from spending a lot more to cure whatever havoc not taking precautions would cause. Prevention is better than cure; you must have heard it somewhere, so there is no point managing an expired gas cylinder.
· Make sure it is properly sealed. This is a very important precaution that most cooking gas users ignore. It is not enough to watch other things and not seal your cylinder properly. For those that use cylinders with attachable burners, it is important when attaching to make sure it is sealed properly so as to avoid leakages. Also, it is necessary to switch off the regulator when it is not in use. On the other hand, those use cylinders connected with tubes should ensure to switch off by turning the regulator in a clockwise direction after use and also take the time to check the wire once in a while in case of a burst. All these are crucial to avoid leakages. Fire outbreak is usually caused by the leakage of gas and the presence of gas in the air.
· A particular odorant called ethanethiol is usually included in the production of gas so as to ease detection in the case of a leakage. Once that smell is detected, it is necessary for users to; check all available ways through which gas could be emitted and block, make sure that particular room is well ventilated so the gas can evaporate into the air, and most importantly, fire in any form should not be ignited at that time and all flammables should be taken far from the smell of gas.
· Another precaution that should be taken to heart by users is that gas cylinders should not be stored close to any source of heat, such as stove, electric socket, fire, heater, direct sunlight and even phones. The cylinder should be kept vertically – not diagonally or horizontal – on a firm and level surface. And make certain that the hose connections do not come into contact with, or even get near, the gas burner. The reason for this is very obvious. Gas is highly flammable, hence its use as a fuel. Any source of heat is dangerous and could cause an explosion. It is better to put it outside the kitchen and far from the burner or stove but it should also be protected from direct sunlight. So, it is advisable, it is covered on the top from the sunlight while making sure there is enough space for air. If it is necessary to put it in the kitchen, it should be a well aerated or well ventilated kitchen in case of leakage so the leaked gas can be easily evaporated.
· Regularly check your cooking gas appliances; cylinder, gas tube, burner, regulator, gas tube connection for damages because damages could cause problems with the gas. It should be noted at this point that preventing leakages is not only to avoid outbreak but also because inhaling gas could cause health hazard. So to avoid losing your home to fire in addition to avoiding health complications, all you have to do is check your appliances for damages.
· Similarly, be on the lookout for any warning sign that there is a leakage and for signs that your appliances have issues. For instance, the flame on your burner or stove should be blue and crisp. Any other outlook like yellow or orange flames is a sign that you need to have it checked. One other effective way of checking for leakages apart from the smell of the odorant is using liquid soap. Open the cylinder valve and apply liquid soap on the regulator and the points where the gas tubes connect, watch out for bubbles. If there is any leak, you will see bubbles in the soap.
· Also necessary is a fire extinguisher. Every home should own an extinguisher in the first place whether they use cooking gas or not. Not to mention when you have inflammable around the house, saying you need a fire extinguisher cannot be over-emphasized. And don’t just get one to fulfill all righteousness. It should be a good one with a clear indicator gauge showing the level of foam or extinguisher material in the cylinder. Then, it should be considered vital that everybody in the house learns how to use one in case of emergency.
· And as an afterthought, keep children away from the gas cylinder. Children are always with a new trick up to their sleeves, so you as parents have to be extra vigilant to ensure they don’t get close to it. In fact, as much as necessary, keep children away from the kitchen. There are just too many havoc that children can cause in the kitchen especially without adult supervision.
From the list above, it is clear that the safety of cooking gas is very relative and reliant on whom the user is. Just like all petroleum products, cooking gas is inflammable and just like all by-products of crude oil; constant inhalation can result in health complications. As far as one is not using electricity – which also has its own cons by the way – all other fuels share similarities with cooking gas. Granted, cooking gas is more flammable than others but it doesn’t change the fact that you could always prevent hazards if you take the time to be watchful.
Life itself is a risk and everything we use; including the food we eat, have both its pros and cons but we still use them. Cooking gas is safe as long as you are ready to obey the instructions of usage. Information abounds on how to use it. Acquaint yourself with them and don’t stop there, apply them
