Be gas safe this Easter to avoid being sorry

Holiday makers using portable gas appliances are urged to follow safety instructions this Easter to prevent someone being seriously injured or killed.

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said users of LP gas and butane appliances needed to follow a “check, transport and connect” checklist.

“The Easter long weekend and school holidays are popular times to enjoy a barbeque with family and friends but the manufacturer’s safety instructions must be followed,” he said.

“Portable gas appliances like barbeques, refrigerators, camp cookers and lanterns can be very dangerous if they are not regularly checked for damage, transported safely or connected properly.

“Unsafe use can easily result in a fire or explosion causing serious injury or death.”

Dr Lynham said a wrongly-sized hotplate caused a campsite fire in Central Queensland in January.

“The portable LPG stove was being used with an over-sized hotplate that directed heat on to the stove’s gas hose fittings, causing a fireball,” he said.

Dr Lynham said portable gas appliances should only ever be used outside, preferably with a fire extinguisher handy.

“They must never be operated inside, or in confined spaces such as tents, caravans, boats or motor vehicles where lethal carbon monoxide gas can build up,” he said.

Dr Lynham also urged users to check the test date on LPG cylinders and look for any signs of damage on the cylinders or valves, such as corrosion or clogged connectors.

“Check barbecue fittings and hoses for any signs of fading, fraying, cracking or splitting and check the regulator connection for any missing ‘O’ ring seals,” he said.

“Use soapy water on all connections to the gas cylinder - bubbles indicate a gas leak.”

Dr Lynham said manufacturer’s instructions needed to be followed when assembling a gas appliance, disconnecting the cylinders and using accessories.

For more information about gas safety visitwww.qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/gas-safety

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[ENDS]           24 March, 2016

Media contact:           Stephen Johnson                     0410 578 131