Here is the complete Guide on How To Prevent Cooking Gas Explosions In Nigerian Homes.
Cooking gas cylinders are a great relief from kerosene stoves and electric cookers in environments with limited or unpredictable power supply. Some say you haven’t lived if you haven’t blown into the dark rings of a smoking kerosene stove. These cylinders are one of the most common alternative fuel sources in the world, with 33.5million Indian households relying on this cooking appliance in 2011. In modern town planning, the use of these gas cylinders is only replaced by the expansion of town gas into buildings, as seen in Hong Kong and Brazil. When handled correctly, gas cylinders are portable, in abundant supply, convenient and affordable. When not handled correctly, they can cost your life.
All You Need To Know About Cooking Gas In Nigeria
Cooking gas sold in Nigeria is otherwise known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or LPG. Liquified because because the gases can be stored in liquid form with moderate pressure, Petroleum because the composite gases are light hydrocarbons (composed of carbon and hydrogen if we are to revisit organic chemistry notes of years gone by) – butane and propane in varying compositions, Gas because, well…Gas.
Cooking Gas Safety Tips For Nigerians
If as little as 2% of LPG leaks out, it will form a flammable mixture with air. Within a confined space with no adequate ventilation, this can very easily cause an explosion.
Hoses and tubing on gas cylinders are one of the weakest points in the system, and it is important to pay attention to keeping these as safe for use as possible. One would be surprised at how easy it is to ensure safety, and how simplistic the safety instructions are, compared to the damage caused annually. The experts at Calor suggest:
- Keeping the tubing away from bright sunlight, dampness, abrasion and heavy weights.
- Replaces hoses every 5 years, as they are manufactured with a lifespan of 5 years.
- Store the cylinders in a place where you have good ventilation. This is because LPG is heavier than air, and gravity ensures that it will flow along floors and and settle in pockets in the ground (if any). As a result, a leak and an ignition source are the only requirements for an explosion to occur. In addition to this, an unchecked leak will cause air to be displaced, increasing the chances of suffocation.
How to check for leaks on Your Cooking Gas in Nigeria
It is important to do the following every gas cylinder change without fail.
All you need to detect a leak is soapy water, a sponge or spray bottle and good lighting.
Turn on the valve and either soap the valve and hose down or spray with a spray bottle. If you see bubbles appear, you have found your leak.
There you have it on this post “Guide on How To Prevent Cooking Gas Explosions In Nigerian Homes.” I hope you found this piece helpful.
