The world’s taste for technology has grown to the extent that the harm it poses is mostly overlooked. Not to argue technological advances have caused more harm than good, however, sometimes these result in casualties that are really alarming. Normally these casualties are even caused ignorantly. It is for this reason that five measures that are blatantly ignored in dealing with gas cylinders shall be tackled.
5 Things To Avoid For Safety Measures When Using A Gas Cylinder
1. Do not fill the gas cylinder to the brim. This is to allow for space for gas expansion. The caution is that Liquefied Petroleum Gas consist of flammable Hydrocarbon gases like butane and methane which can easily spark fire under the least pressure and high temperature. Not filling your cylinder to the brim gives room for expansion under pressurization. While others make informed decisions to fill cylinders to the brim, others ignorantly do same. It is therefore advised you fill your gas cylinder to at most 80 or 85 percent of the volume of the cylinder.
2. Do not shake the cylinder to prevent agitations. As a normal routine in various homes and industries, instead of making use of the appropriate device(gauge) to check the leftover gas, the gas cylinders are rather shaken to determine that. Whether informed or ignorant, what most people do not come in terms is that shaking the cylinders could build up pressure that could cause an explosion. It’s therefore safer not to shake gas cylinders and when required not vigorously.
It’s also advised you get a measuring regulator to perform such a function. Another practice that can be adopted is by putting one side of the gas cylinder in water bath enough to cover the height of the cylinder and take it out after some time. The used part which is from the top will be dry where the level with the gas would have water droplets.
3. Always keep gas cylinders upright. And always give the cylinder supported by a restraining tool while it’s kept upright. The reason for all these is to ensure the proper operation of the pressure relief valve which ensures that LPG does not just gush out.
4. Gas cylinders must always be kept outside. Many people tend to give deaf ears to this caution however when there is a leakage of gas,it’s would be more safer on the outside then inside. The right option therefore is to keep cylinders outside but away from conditions such as direct sunlight, combustion material and fuel.
5. Regularly check gas cylinder tubes. Gas cylinder tubes which are normally rubber tubing give an extra warranty against gas leakage. Without a rubber tube, your gas cylinder may leak without detecting and cause an explosion with the least spark. Malfunctioning rubber tubes always leave signs like hissing or ascent of rotten egg. These indications are enough to make you change your rubber tubes.
