5 in 10 LPG tanks defective – BFP

MANILA, Philippines –  Records of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the LPG Industry Association (LPGIA) showed that five out of 10 tanks of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the market are defective and substandard.

This poses a risk to the public because exploding cooking gas tanks is the second leading cause of fires in the country, said Mercedita Pastrana, LPGIA executive director.

She said half or three million of the six million LPG tanks need repairs while the remaining half were dilapidated and should be discarded.

“The characteristics of unsafe LPG cylinders or tanks are leaking valves, with dents, rusty and improper painting. The public should also check the corroded footing and bottom cup,” said Pastrana in a forum hosted by Total Gas yesterday.

She said that branded LPG costs from P30 to P40 higher than tanks that have no brand, which poses a greater risk to the public.

BFP officials said faulty electrical equipment and leaking LPG tanks were among the top causes of fires.

Chief Superintendent Santiago Laguna, director of the BFP-National Capital Region, said the most common causes of LPG-induced fires in homes and establishments are defective hoses, incorrect installation of the pressure regulators, and cylinder valves that were left open.

Laguna said that defective LPG tanks and improper installation of hoses and regulators could cause leakage of LPG vapor, which could accumulate in enclosed and low-lying areas.

He said explosion occurs when the gas is ignited by an open flame from the stove, lighted cigarette or electrical system like electric bulb, switch, and electric motor.

Authorities gave a seven-point safety checklist for LPG users:

• Buy LPG tanks from legitimate dealers or authorized LPG dealers only; and always check that the security seal is firmly affixed on the valve.

• Place the LPG cylinder in a well-ventilated area, away from sources of ignition.

• Use the correct regulator and check its condition regularly.

• Attach the regulator and ensure that it is securely connected to the cylinder valve.

• Use the correct hose and check its condition regularly.

• Use metal clamps to attach the hose to the regulator and appliance.

• Ensure that the stove burner produces a blue flame. –Cecile Suerte Felipe (The Philippine Star)