KUCHING: With the festive season just around the corner — a time when kitchens are busiest and family gatherings take centre stage — households are being reminded not to overlook basic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) safety practices.
Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has urged the public to exercise extra caution when handling LPG cylinders, stressing that simple, routine checks can go a long way in preventing leaks, fires and other domestic incidents.
In a statement on Friday (Feb 13), Petros stressed that safety should begin with regular inspection of equipment.
Regulators and hoses must be checked for cracks, wear or damage, and only SIRIM-approved regulators and hoses should be used.
Proper ventilation is equally crucial as LPG cylinders should be stored in well-ventilated areas, while kitchens must have adequate airflow during cooking.
Where practical, Petros advised placing the stove at a higher level than the cylinder and maintaining a safe distance of between one and 1.5 metres from the cooking flame.
The company also cautioned that in the event of a leak, LPG gas — being heavier than air — will settle and accumulate near the floor, particularly in low or enclosed spaces, increasing the risk of ignition.
“If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, turn off all flames immediately. Do not switch electrical appliances on or off. Open windows and doors to improve ventilation.”
Users are advised to move the cylinder outdoors to a ventilated area if it is safe to do so, and to avoid areas near the floor where gas may have collected.
To detect leaks, households can apply soapy water to connection points and the appearance of bubbles indicates a leak.
Should this occur, the regulator must be removed and the cylinder placed in a ventilated area.
Faulty parts should only be replaced with approved components.
Petros further reminded users to light the ignition source before turning on the gas and to never leave cooking unattended. Burners and regulators should be turned off immediately once cooking is done.
As homes prepare to welcome guests and loved ones, Petros stressed that festive cheer should never come at the expense of safety.
“Simple precautions and consistent checks can make all the difference in protecting lives and property.”
