Tips to stay secure - "Better safe than sorry"

Appended below with Tips to stay secure - "Better safe than sorry"

Oil companies, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, independent websites and NGOs have all come up with a multitude of tips to make domestic LPG use safe and secure. Here’s a list of precautions culled out from their words of caution

Leakage Precautions:- In case of any leakage, turn the pressure regulator knob on the cylinder to the “off” position. Put off all fires in the kitchen including Agarbatti & Pooja lamps.
Open all doors & windows for ventilation. Do not strike a match & do not operate any electrical switches including the main switch. Electrical switches & dry cell torches generate sparks while switching on or off. Use only soap solution to check gas leaks; never use lighted match-sticks for checking

Servicing:- Always keep the rubber tube connecting the regulator to the stove uncovered & visible. Check the tube regularly for cracks. Change it at least once in t2 years. Get all gas appliances serviced periodically. Self-repair is unsafe. Call the authorised maintenance personnel

Before-use precautions :-Shelves or storage cabinets should not be placed above the hot plate since reaching out to containers could cause accidents. Do not have curtains on the windows near the gas stove. Do not keep the cylinder in a cabinet or in a pit below floor level. Do not store inflammable material such as rubber mats, coir, etc inside the kitchen or above the stove.

After-use precautions:-Turn “off” the regulator knob & then the stove knob before retiring to bed. Always keep the regulator knob in “off” position when the cylinder is not in use. Empty cylinders must be stored in a cool & well ventilated place with the safety cap put on.

Delivery boy’s duty:- When you receive a refill, the delivery boy has to break open the seal in your presence and test for leaks, if any. He is also supposed to connect the cylinders to the installation and check for proper functioning. Checks for leaks at the rubber tube joints and at the bung are also required the be carried out. If your delivery boy does not carry out these, you have a right to insist they do.

Mandatory inspection:- According to the petroleum and natural gas ministry, you are entitled to a mandatory inspection once in two years, against a nominal prescribed fee payable to the distributor. A trained mechanic will inspect your LPG installation and fill out a detailed form, pronouncing it 'safe' in all respects. He is also authorized to take corrective action wherever necessary.

Care while cooking :- Never leave vessels unattended on burners in operation the contents may overflow, extinguishing the flame and causing gas leakage.
Do not keep electrical appliances such as refrigerators inside the kitchen; power fluctuations in them can act as a source of fire in case of leakage. Always use cotton clothes and cotton apron while cooking; never use synthetic clothes like silk, chiffon, etc.

If accident occurs The Oil Industry has taken out an Unnamed Insurance Policy for the benefit of LPG users in order to benefit them in obtaining immediate relief in the event of an accident on account of LPG. This amount is immediate commensurate with the extent of injury or loss.