Gas cylinders with LPG are vital for many homes and even so for businesses.
While it’s necessary to get an LPG gas bottle to cut the cost of utilities, you should do your part in taking care of these cylinders as well. Without proper maintenance, you’ve got a hazard on your hands.
The danger is real. According to statistics from NFPA, around 40 deaths related to LPG fires happen in a year globally.
Most people think that getting their LPG bottle installed is enough. What they don’t know is that there are many factors that could affect the safety of your commercial or business establishment.
Luckily, taking care of your LPG bottle is easy so long as you mind these tips.
1. Let The Pros Install If For You
Taking care of your gas cylinder starts the very moment you have it delivered to your home.
It is very important that you let the pros install the cylinders for you if you aren’t confident with your skills to do so.
Any minor error in the installation could result in leaks that can put your family at risk of various health complications.
Here at Plus Gas, we not only deliver high-quality LPG in durable bottles, but we also help you install them as well. We understand that not everyone has the knowledge to do so.
Having the pros install the gas vessel for you is also a good way for them to see if there’s anything off with your pipes or the installation location of the bottle.
2. Place Warning Signs Near The Storage Area
Whether at home or in a residential setting, it’s very important that you place signs about the location of the gas cylinder just to keep everyone informed. This keeps them aware of their surroundings so that they don’t commit any mistakes that could cause gas cylinder problems.
A small sign saying that there’s a gas cylinder in the area would do.
This is very important for commercial settings that are busy. The hustle and bustle of the workplace might cause your employees to forget about the gas cylinder so it’s always good to keep them reminded.
3. Pick The Storage Area Well
It’s very important to choose the right storage location for your gas cylinder.
It should be in a dry and well-ventilated area that’s far from combustible materials. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is placing your gas cylinder nearby a heat source as this can damage the material of the cylinder.
A priority of yours should be to keep the area dry. If it’s damp, the material covering the gas cylinder might degrade and rust.
To keep an area dry, you should consider investing in a dehumidifier or you can also open a few windows to let the natural heat dry the room.
A lot of people place the gas cylinder in their basement given that there’s enough ventilation and the area is not damp. You can also build a shed outside your home where you can store your gas cylinder in.
4. Keep It Upright And Stable
The last thing you’d want happening to your gas bottle is having it topple and fall over. This is a common problem especially if the cylinder is still full as the top side is still heavy.
Once the LPG gas is used and the cylinder is no longer filled, it’s more stable.
When installing your gas cylinder, make sure that it’s upright. It shouldn’t be at an angle in any way. If you can, try to make a custom cage that can help support the cylinder.
If the gas cylinder topples, there’s a huge risk of dents or even leaks.
Worst case scenario, the entire installation will get ruined and you’ll have LPG leaking all over your place. When it’s being installed outside, avoid placing the gas cylinder on soil as this can soften when it gets wet.
5. Keep It In A Low Traffic Area
This applies most when it comes to gas cylinders in a commercial setting like a kitchen for instance. Placing the gas cylinder in an area where people walk by the most puts it at risk of getting toppled over by someone.
Furthermore, it can affect the productivity of your crew as well as they’ll have to go the extra mile to avoid it.
Gas cylinders are typically stored in a separate room inside commercial settings. For restaurants, it’s stored outside the kitchen. Make sure to avoid putting it near areas where there’s heat being produced as well.
It can be tricky placing a gas cylinder well inside a commercial setting but it’s doable so long as there’s a dedicated space for it.
Caring for your gas cylinder is very important if you want to keep your home and your family safe. These tips will help you guarantee that no damage or problems are going to happen to your LPG. If you have more questions about gas cylinder maintenance, call us for help.
