Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) accidents are most common at summer cottages

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) accidents are most common at summer cottages

Last year 11 accidents due to the use of LPG equipment were reported to the Safety Technology Authority. About half of them took place at summer cottages. LPG had leaked into a room and caught fire because of broken equipment or careless use. In order to avoid such accidents, users should take care of the equipment and tubes and joints, and in changing the bottles.

The accidents in the year 2000 were due to the fact that gas had leaked into the room and caught fire from a spark, a fireplace or a cigarette. There was one death among the 11 accidents last year. In previous years serious accidents have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning because of insufficient ventilation. From 1991 to 1999 there were 20 deaths related to the use of LPG. The Safety Technology Authority has no information about accidents for this year.

It is worth inspecting the equipment before use

When LPG equipment is brought into use its condition should be checked visually. Bursts in tubes are found by bending them. The tightness of joints should be checked before use. Components of the equipment wear out and age with use. They should be changed or maintained in good time.

The tightness of joints should also be checked after changing the bottle. If there is a pressvalve on the bottle, the tightness of the joint between the bottle and the pressure controller can be checked by lifting the bottle with the pressure controller. The tightness of the joint in the screwvalve can be tested by spreading soapy water on the joint. The operating manuals for the equipment should be read again before using such equipment.

Liquefied petroleum gas needs air

When LPG is used indoors, users should ensure sufficient ventilation. LPG does not burn properly if there is not enough oxygen. This results in the formation of deadly poisonous, odourless and invisible carbon monoxide gas.

If there is a reason to suspect a gas leak, the valve on the bottle must first be closed and the room aired carefully. Remove all forms of ignition. Electrical switches should not be used because of the danger of sparks. If necessary, call the rescue co-ordination centre (in Finland 112).