Extra precaution: Regulators, hoses and valves have to be replaced regularly to ensure no mishaps occur, while (below) having a fire extinguisher nearby can come in handy in a pinch.
Fire Dept: Over 300 gas cylinder blazes each year
PETALING JAYA: The cooking gas cylinder is an item most households cannot do without, yet vital safety measures and precautions associated with it are often overlooked.
A gas leak from a single gas cylinder can lead to a devastating and even deadly fire.
Over 300 fires and explosions involving household gas cylinders occur each year across the country – an alarming statistic.
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Despite the increasing number of such incidents, many people continue to be ignorant of basic cooking gas cylinder safety.
A check by The Star with over a dozen households showed that most did not replace essential gas cylinder accessories such as regulators and hoses and clamps, with many of them using such parts for over 10 years.
“I did not think of replacing the items as the gas cylinder was working as usual,” said one house owner.
Gas companies and safety authorities recommend replacing regulators every five years and hoses every other year – faulty or not.
In the latest incident last month, a 55-year-old man died after a leak from a cooking gas cylinder triggered a fire at his house in Jalan Assumption, Butterworth.
The victim, identified as Liew Hoong Kwee, was asleep when the fire broke out on Sept 5.
Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Rozihan Anwar Mamat (pic) said between January and August this year, 230 cases of fires linked with cooking gas cylinders were reported nationwide.
He said most of the cases happened in Johor, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan.
Rozihan said between 2022 and 2023, a total of 652 cases related to gas cylinders were recorded.
He added that it is vital for households to observe strict measures to prevent untoward incidents with gas cylinders.
“When you detect a gas odour in the kitchen, quickly ventilate the area by opening the doors and windows to dispel the highly flammable gas.
“Never switch on any electrical appliance or lights when a gas leak is suspected as sparks from the electrical circuitry can trigger a fire.
“Undo the regulator from the cylinder and then move it out of the house.
“The regulator should also be disconnected from the cylinder when one leaves the house for long periods,” he told The Star.
Rozihan added that households should only buy gas cylinder accessories approved by Sirim.
He cautioned against storing gas cylinders in enclosures such as cabinets unless it is well ventilated.
“Preferably, gas cylinders should be kept in the open as it would be easier to detect leakages. Kitchens should have adequate ventilation and there should also be a safe distance of at least one metre between a cylinder and a gas stove.
“Never operate a burner on a gas cylinder or leave your stove unattended when cooking.
“Conducting periodical tests on the hose, especially at the connections between the stove and regulator, with soapy water can help detect leaks and prompt replacement of the affected parts.
“We also strongly suggest that every household or business that conducts cooking activities keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency,” he added.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader called on the authorities to enforce mandatory safety standards for cooking gas cylinders.
Mohideen said although gas cylinders have been widely used in the country for more than 50 years, there is little awareness among consumers on the proper use and maintenance of it and gas stoves.
He said cooking gas is odourless but has mercaptan, a pungent-smelling odorant, added to it to enable detectability during leaks.
“A leak can usually occur at the cylinder valve, in the connecting rubber hose or at the stove’s valve.
“Many cylinders in use may be old, rusty and poorly maintained.
“We call on the authorities to make it mandatory to carry an expiry date for cylinders, valves, hoses and regulators,” he said.
Mohideen also said it should be mandatory for hawker stalls and food outlets to have fire extinguishers on standby.
“There should also be regular inspections on the gas cylinders for external damage or extensive rust.
“Pay special attention to the rubber O-ring seal inside the cylinder valve.
“This seal prevents leaks after the regulator is inserted.
“The rubber O-rings should also conform to high standards and be regularly checked for damage,” he added.
