Transporting and using gas outdoors

Using Gas during the Summer Festive Season 

Have you considered all the safety aspects when using your gas cylinder when travelling on vacation or spending time with family and friends in the outdoors? We asked our friends from Afrox and the LPGSASA for advice on how to do so safely:

Transporting and using Gas on a Caravan holiday

Every LPGas cylinder has a marking of two arrows pointing upwards. This is to indicate that the cylinders must be stored, transported and used in an upright position.

Many people, often those travelling to a holiday destination lie their cylinders down in the boot of their car, bakkie or caravan.

An LPGas cylinder contains both a liquid and a vapour - the liquid being the gas which has been compressed or put under pressure which converts it into a liquid. By so doing one v\can ‘pack’ considerable more energy into the cylinder. If a gas cylinder is not upright and leaks, it will be a liquid (not vapour) which is released and which is potentially far more hazardous.

The simple rule: always transport a cylinder in an upright position and secured so it cannot topple over.
When using the cylinder, especially with a large appliance connected directly to it, make sure that the cylinder is on a flat, even surface.
Where cylinders are used externally, and even more so when in or near water, always check the underside of the cylinder for signs of rust or corrosion.

Using Gas while camping and the need for caution with tents

There are a few basic tips which should be adhered to:

• Always ensure that any burning appliance is kept well away from the sides of a tent and/or any flammable items.
• Some tents and caravans seal very well, to keep out cold weather. This means that very little fresh air is able to get into the tent. So I if an appliance is burning - and especially if there are a number of people in the tent - all the available oxygen will be used up very quickly.  It is essential therefore to make sure that there is always fresh air (oxygen) available in an enclosed area.
• Never leave a burning appliance unattended, especially inside a van or tent. Even appliances which are being used outside should always be watched/attended. 
• While drying clothes, towels, etc. may be very convenient, these items can easily ignite.

Using the Gas Braai

Braaing with LPGas is hugely efficient and convenient- quick, clean and safe

Again, there are a number safety considerations to be aware of:

• One of the most important points to remember is that the manufacturer’s instructions (booklet) are supplied for a reason. It is essential to read the instructions in order to know how to use the appliance - be it a braai, griller, hot-wheel, skottel or any other appliance
• It is also important to teach any other family members or friends how to use the braai safely - especially younger children
• Before going away, check that the appliance and all attachments are in good working order. If you are unsure or if they have not been serviced for some time, take them to your nearest dealer to check.
• If your appliance is connected to a cylinder via a hose and regulator, check for the following before connecting them:
  • The hose is not brittle or cracked
  • The connections of the hose to the appliance and regulator are properly secured
  • That the rubber seal (‘O-Ring’, washer, bullnose) which is located on the tip of the regulator is not brittle or cracked and, that it is still located on the end of the regulator (it sometimes gets lodged in the cylinder valve)
  • When you attach the regulator to the cylinder it is correctly connected
  • Remember, if you are connecting the hose and appliance to a cylinder, when you open the cylinder valve, only open it one and a half (1 ½ ) turns
• If you smell gas, at any time, whether indoors or out, immediately turn off the gas at the cylinder - then check to see where the leak may be coming from. If in doubt, get to a reputable LPGas dealer.

All LPGas appliances distributed or sold in South Africa must comply with the local National Safety Standard. A complete list of such appliances is located on the LPGSASA website via the following link:

https://www.lpgas.co.za/safety/find%20a%20safe%20appliance/Search_Appliance.php

Many of these appliances carry the LPGSASA Safe Appliance logo - so look for it when making a purchase.

When exchanging an LPGas cylinder, always check that the branding on the seal (located on the cylinder valve) matches the logo on the cylinder itself.

No seal, a clear seal or a seal with the words “LPGas” indicate that the cylinder has been illegally filled and could be unsafe.

Also View:

Safety with Gas

Safety from Fire

Prevention and Treatment of Burns