DAGUPAN CITY– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Pangasinan has shared some safety tips on the proper handling of liquefied petroleum gas or LPG to ensure safety and prevent the occurrence of fire incidents at home or workplaces.
DTI Provincial Director Natalia Dalaten reminded the consumers anew to be safety conscious when buying, installing, and maintaining LPG cylinders at home especially that some of the reported causes of fire and accidents are due to improper LPG maintenance.
Dalaten stressed that consumers should be familiar with the basic safety guidelines when using LPG and use only DTI certified LPG cylinders.
She said consumers should buy only from authorized dealers and must look for the genuine Philippine Standard (PS) mark which is engraved on the collar of the cylinder when buying LPG cylinders.
“Other import markings embossed on the cylinder are the LPG brand or trade name, date of testing, net contents in kilogram or tare weight, design pressure and serial number,” she said.
Dalaten added that consumers should always check if the LPG cylinders have dents, gauges and corrosion to prevent possible occurrence of fire due to damaged cylinders.
On usage and maintenance, Dalaten said the consumers should remember the following:
· Place LPG cylinders in ventilated areas and not in enclosed kitchen cabinets.
· Keep the LPG away from electric points or other sources of ignition.
· Use only LPG-resistant rubber hoses and regularly check for wear, cracks and leaks by applying soap from a sponge on the entire hose.
· Don’t use a match, candle or any open light when checking for leaks; and replace rubber hose every two years.
In the event a gas smells in the kitchen, Dalaten advised consumers not to switch on or off or connect or disconnect electrical bulbs near the cylinders, instead, turn off the LPG regulator and open doors and windows to improve ventilation.
She reminded that consumers should always turn off the stove burner and LPG regulator when not in use and do not invert the LPG cylinder or horizontally place the LPG cylinder on the floor.
Dalaten said in case of LPG leak, consumers should not panic and but immediately turn off the LPG regulator and open all windows and doors.
“Turn off any electrical switches and go out of your house for 10 to 15 minutes or until the gas has been diluted by the air,” she added.
Meanwhile, Dalaten warned those engaged in selling, offering, distributing and refilling LPG to strictly comply with Republic Act 4109 and Department Administrative Order No. 2:2007 to avoid possible penalties and inconveniences.
If the abovementioned order is violated, DTI will impose an administrative fine of P17, 500 up to P300, 000 to violators.
Dalaten advised the public to visit the DTI-Pangasinan Provincial Office located at the 2nd floor of Star Building, Arellano Street in Dagupan City or call at telephone numbers (075)-551-3183 or 529-6177 for additional information and inquiries in relation to safety features of LPG tanks. (PIA Pangasinan)
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