Load shedding has been a persistent issue that South African homes have been responding to, with one of the most cost-effective options being the installation of gas cylinders.
LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas), also known as propane or butane, is a combustible combination of hydrocarbon gases. Gas is an excellent energy source ‒ clean, safe, and efficient. It enables us to cook, stay warm and clean no matter what outages are scheduled.
Like electricity and natural gas, LPG gas is considered a dangerous resource and must be managed with respect, awareness and caution. The following are some precautions you should take to guarantee the safe usage of gas in your home.
Gas Installation Guidelines From The SANS
The South African National Standards (SANS) handbook rules contain the following installation tips under gas installation:
- Install gas bottles at least 1 meter away from windows and doors.
- All copper pipes passing through walls must be sleeved.
- A certificate of compliance for gas equipment must accompany any gas installation, for example, braais, gas-heated water systems, gas ovens, etc.
Storage Guidelines According To The LPGSA
According to the Liquefied Petroleum Association of South Africa (LPGSA), keeping gas canisters in their authorized and intended compartments is essential to guarantee safety.
For example: When using an LPG gas cylinder with a heater, make sure it’s the proper size ‒ generally 9kg in most indoor heaters ‒ and that it’s positioned within the heater’s chamber.
LPG cylinders should be stored upright and away from combustible and flammable materials. Ensure legislative compliance: Only gas bottles weighing less than 19kg may be stored inside a building.
General Home Safety Tips For LPG Gas Cylinders
- You may be tempted to shut all your doors and windows to keep the warmth in, but this is not a good idea. Ventilation is essential because it enables fresh air to enter and fumes to exit. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, extinguish all other flames.
- Avoid smoking or striking matches near any gas apparatus.
- Never vent a gas appliance in the same chimney as a wood or coal fireplace.
- Never cover a gas appliance’s temperature controls, air intakes or vents.
- When attaching and detaching appliances from gas cylinders, always follow the instructions.
- Always double-check that the gas cylinder is fully closed.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when attaching and detaching appliances from gas cylinders.
- Always ensure that the gas cylinder is fully closed ‒ do this before leaving the house and before going to bed at night.
- Ensure all family members are briefed on gas cylinder safety.
Gas is odorless in its natural state. However, for safety concerns, a chemical agent is added to the gas to give it its characteristic odour, enabling leaks to be detected.
As soon as a leak is detected, turn off all gas appliances, close valves, and allow for thorough ventilation by opening windows and doors.
Purchase Gas From Authorised Distributors
You should only ever purchase LPG cylinders from authorized distributors. Make sure the cylinder was sent in good condition.
- Do not accept the cylinder if the company seal or safety cap is damaged.
- Look for the test due date marked on the inner side of the cylinder stay plate. If it has passed, do not accept the cylinder.
With GoGas, our space-age composite cylinders are safer than ever before. Unlike traditional steel gas cylinders, they are easy to clean, don’t leave rust rings on the floor, and are manufactured out of lightweight composite material, meaning they are not explosive. Furthermore, our cylinders are SABS and SANS approved. This means we can offer you the ultimate peace of mind and the convenience of ordering your LPG cylinders and gas refills online.
Want to find out more? Check out our helpful GoGas introduction video, or order your gas cylinders online today.