{"id":18762,"date":"2012-12-07T20:15:07","date_gmt":"2012-12-07T10:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=18762"},"modified":"2023-12-15T18:18:01","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T08:18:01","slug":"take-care-with-gas-bottles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2012\/12\/07\/take-care-with-gas-bottles\/","title":{"rendered":"Take Care With Gas Bottles"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
This house fire at Bundaberg was sparked by a barbecue’s gas bottle\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A \u00a0butane gas explosion at Woodford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

December 7, 2012<\/strong><\/p>\n

Queenslanders are being warned to treat gas appliances with due respect over the summer holidays to avoid putting themselves and their families at risk.<\/p>\n

Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps said people should always check the safety of portable gas cylinders, gas refrigerators, barbecues and camping stoves for any obvious damage before using them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe festive season is a great time of year to pack up the family and experience the great outdoors or celebrate at home with friends,\u201d Mr Cripps said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all love a barbecue, but gas cylinders and portable gas appliances can be very dangerous if not used properly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere have been a number of recent fatalities across Australia from inappropriate use of these portable appliances in confined spaces, as there can a risk of a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide.<\/p>\n

\u201cExperts from my department have had to investigate a number of gas cylinder explosions which have caused damage to buildings and property, and in some cases have caused severe injuries and even death.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr Cripps said Queenslanders needed to remember basic gas safety facts, such as portable outdoor gas appliances should only ever be used outdoors.<\/p>\n

\u201cPortable gas appliances such as barbecues, camping refrigerators, stoves and heaters must never be operated inside tents, caravans, boats or motor vehicles,\u201d he said.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe manufacturer\u2019s instructions must be followed if some assembly is required before operation.<\/p>\n

Mr Cripps also said gas cylinders must be transported with care.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople transporting gas cylinders need to ensure they are secured in an upright position, and that no more than two 9kg cylinders are transported in an enclosed vehicle,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should also check that the cylinders are safely disconnected from appliances before transportation and that a safety plug is screwed into the outlet.<\/p>\n

\u201cPortable gas cylinders and fittings should also be inspected regularly and thoroughly before use.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost gas-related fires occur because people don\u2019t take adequate care in connecting or disconnecting hoses to cylinders or to the appliance.<\/p>\n

“Before use, check for gas leaks by spraying fittings with a soapy water solution especially after disconnecting and reconnecting any cylinders or gas hoses and equipment. Keep a spray bottle with your barbecue; leaks will show up as bubbles.<\/p>\n

“If there’s any sign of rust or damage, replace the cylinder at your local exchange cylinder outlet and also check barbecue fittings and hoses for any signs of fraying, cracking or splitting.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy taking these simple steps you will ensure you and your family enjoy the festive season safely,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n