EXPLOSION SAFETY
N
avoiding gas Cylinder explosions
ew research has revealed just how dangerous improperly maintained gas appliances are, along with the top cause of injury and death.
Experts at Bensons Gas Engineering
compared the NHS Digital Hospital Admitted Patient Care Activity reports from the last ten years to reveal the biggest causes of gas- related incidents. The latest report, published in September
2021, revealed that exposure to smoke, fire and flames was the most common cause of A&E admissions linked to gas appliances, with a total of 10,011 since 2010-11. Explosion and rupture of gas cylinders was
the fourth-highest gas-related cause, with 1,038 admissions over ten years. Many industries involve the use of gas cylinders, such as manufacturing, automotive, medical and hospitality. In a workplace environment, an
appropriate inspection body should periodically examine gas cylinders and valves before putting them into service to check they meet the approved standards. Anyone handling gas cylinders, such as by
filling, manufacturing, or repairing them, should be suitably trained, qualified, and supervised as well as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
Safety tips to avoid gas cylinder explosions:
Keep the area it is stored and used ventilated.
Return used gas cylinders to the stockist rather than throwing them away. Do not overtighten the joints. Install a gas leak detector.
Before changing cylinders, turn off the valves or gas taps before disconnecting. Only change a cylinder in the open air.
Contact with hot heating appliances, radiators, and pipes - 9,425 A&E admissions
Accidental poisoning by and exposure to other gases and vapours - 8,191 A&E admissions
Explosion and rupture of a gas cylinder - 1,038 A&E admissions
Contact with hot air and gases - 534 A&E Admissions
Explosion and rupture of boiler - 76 A&E admissions
Gas leaks can cause fires and explosions,
which you can prevent by arranging for a Gas Safe registered engineer to annually check the safety of gas appliances such as boilers. The smell of gas is one of the most well-
known indications of a leak, but in a recent survey, nearly a fifth would not even raise the alarm if they could smell gas. To ensure workers are alerted if a fire
occurs and minimise the risk of smoke inhalation, install smoke alarms in each room, hallways and on each storey of the property. Test the smoke alarms monthly, change the batteries annually and replace the alarm itself every ten years. Installing fire alarms will maximise the fire safety
of the building. Test it weekly and get it inspected by a BAFE (British Approvals of Fire Equipment) accredited company at least every six months. If a gas or CO leak has occurred, turn the
gas off, open all the windows, evacuate the property immediately, and once outside, call the 24-hour National Gas Emergencies on 0800 111 999. Seek immediate medical attention if anyone is feeling unwell and showing signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Six biggest gas-related causes for A&E admissions over the last decade:
Exposure to smoke, fire, and flames - 10,011 A&E admissions
Dale Goodman, manager at Bensons Gas
Engineering, says: “This large number of gas- related accidents and emergencies is extremely worrying, especially as these types of incidents are often avoidable. “Many of these gas-related causes of A&E
admissions can be triggered by a gas leak, which you can prevent with regular professional maintenance and servicing of gas appliances. “Neglecting the gas safety of a property
can have catastrophic consequences as faulty gas appliances can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and even explosions. Arranging for this yearly safety check is a quick and straightforward task that could be life-saving. “It’s crucial that a Gas Safe Registered
engineer qualified to the correct level checks the safety of gas appliances, rather than attempting it yourself. Work that relates to natural gas appliances within a building is never a DIY job, and treating it as such can be extremely dangerous. “As well as implementing safety measures to
prevent these types of incidents, and having thorough planned preventative maintenance schedules in place, it’s also essential to prepare for the worst-case scenario, as some accidents are unforeseeable. “Everybody should be clued up on the
potential signs of a gas or carbon monoxide leak so that you can address it quickly and stop it from escalating into a life- threatening situation.”
Bensons gas engineering
bensonsgas.co.uk
34 January/feBruary 2022 | industrial ComplianCe
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
