How do you make sure your gas regulator is safe when using?
A while back, on the news, there was a home property that was reduced to rubble after a faulty gas regulator caused an explosion. That was last year. The building was completely destroyed by the blast.
So the questions: what caused the explosion, how it happened and what can be learned from it?
It is now confirmed that it happened because of a faulty liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) single-stage regulator. Importantly, these devices are actively used across homes to supply gas to all sorts of static buildings, like caravans and mobile homes, and carry fatal consequences if they aren’t properly looked after.
What Are LPG Regulators?
Usually, they control the pressure of gas that is supplied to different devices in the home, like cookers and heaters. They reduce the gas pressure to a low, safe level to fuel these appliances. However, if they’re not working properly, they can’t regulate the pressure and result in dangerous amounts of flammable gas being released.
If you’re using an LPG regulator, how do you make sure it’s safe?
Manufacturers and gas companies advise that regulators must be replaced if they are over 10-years-old, or if they show visibly signs of damage or degradation.
In this incident, the gas regulator was 13-years-old.
Importantly, annual appliance gas safety checks don’t account for the age or position of the single stage regulator valve, so people need to be aware of the risks.
When they’re installed, the vent must be facing downward, not upward. This is because it can easily become blocked overtime, especially if they’re exposed to the weather, causing the regulator to stop working.
Recent studies from other fire accidents caused by a faulty gas regulator, shows how dangerous gas regulators can be if people aren’t aware of the risks involved and what they need to do to look after them.
Not so many people know how seriously things can go wrong if LPG regulators aren’t working properly.
You may be using a regulator now to supply home, however, understanding how to properly maintain them is key is making sure you keep family and properties safe from any possible fire accidents.
All LPG regulators should say on them when they were manufactured. If you don’t know how old yours is, please check and get it replaced if it’s over 10-years-old or is showing visible signs of wear and tear. If the vent is facing upward, call an engineer and get it fixed.
For the sake of anything else, please consider installing an OPSO to make sure you’re not running the risk of an explosion.