LPG Safety Campaign Underway - Media Statement
[ Last Updated 9 March 2006 ]
In May, cylinder refills of LPG will come with safety messages in the form of a swing tag to remind users to take care when using LPG. Over the past nine years, on average, two people have died and 10 people were injured each year as a result of safety problems with LPG. Most of these accidents could have been prevented if simple safety practices had been followed.
The Energy Safety Service of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the LPG Association of New Zealand have been working together to produce the swing tags. 320,000 swing tags have been printed and distributed to service stations around the country. These will be attached to customers’ LPG cylinders when they have them filled.
The timing of the distribution of these swing tags is important. LPG cabinet heaters are a popular and efficient appliance for providing warmth in autumn and winter. But sadly, each year a number of New Zealanders are hurt and sometimes lose their homes in accidents caused by the unsafe use or inadequate maintenance of these heaters. The swing tags provide
information on safe practices for the use and maintenance of LPG cabinet heaters.
If you have a LPG cabinet heater, the Energy Safety Service and the LPG Association of New
Zealand have these simple safety tips to keep you warm and safe:
Check the connections on your heater for leaking LPG
Do the soapy water test when you fill your cylinder and reconnect it to your heater. Spread a solution of water and dish washing liquid on the gas connections. Turn on the cylinder valve. If bubbles appear LPG is leaking. Reconnect and repeat the test. If bubbles appear again, disconnect your heater and contact your LPG service agent.
Make sure your heater is well ventilated
Portable gas heaters such as LPG cabinet heaters and unflued space heaters need special care. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If ventilation is restricted it may cause a built up of fumes. If an appliance is faulty or has not been maintained, it can produce carbon monoxide, a gas that can cause headaches and nausea, possibly leading to unconsciousness and even death. Always keep a window open when these heaters are in use.
Don’t use your LPG cabinet heater in any bedroom, bathroom, or confined space
Follow the 'Heater Metre Rule'
Keep heaters at least one metre away from materials that can burn such as curtains, clothes, furniture and rugs. Never hang clothes on a heater to dry – this is a common cause of fires.
Keep children safe
Make sure children are well-supervised around your LPG cabinet heater. Use a secondary safety guard around your heater for extra protection if there are young children in your home.
Have your heater serviced
Do not use your heater if you smell LPG. Your LPG cabinet heater should be serviced every 12 months. Check in the Yellow Pages under "Gas Appliances" for servicing and repairs.
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