While working with LPG, one needs to be careful as it is a flammable fuel. Negligence of any sort can turn out to be fatal.
Main sources of leakage:
1. Cylinder:
- Welded seams
- Cylinder valve
- The cylinder/ valve connections bung joints
2. Manifold:
- At the joints & fitments
- At flexible hose connections
- Popping up of SRV due to increase in Pressure
- Leakage from Isolation or Non Return Valve /Pressure Gauge
3. Pressure Relief Valve (PRV):
- At the joints
- In the PRV itself
4. Pressure Regulator:
- At the joints
- In the pressure regulator itself
Actions to be taken:
1. Leakage in the cylinder:
- Close all the valves.
- Place the safety cap on the cylinder.
- Do not operate any electric switches.
- Do not bring any naked flame near the cylinder.
- Ensure that all the knobs are in closed position.
- Isolate the cylinder in open place away from any source of ignition.
- Keep possible ignition sources at least 20 meters away until cylinder is empty.
- If it is being observed that fire will engulf the cylinder, then vacate the area immediately and call the fire brigade.
2. Leakage in the manifold:
- Close the nearest isolation valve in order to stop the flow of LPG.
- Halt any operation which is connect to the manifold. If operations are kept running, sparks maybe generated as a source of ignition.
3. Leakage in the Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)*:
- Bring the operations to a standstill. PRVs which are leaking cannot regulate the pressure inside the pipelines. Over pressure conditions can arise due to this can cause failures, fires and/or explosions.
4. Leakage in the Pressure Regulator*:
- Turn off the regulator.
- Disconnect the LPG supply from the cylinders.
5. Other Emergency Rules:
- Have a gas leak detecting system.
- Call your respective gas distributor and inform them about the leak.
- In case of a fire, customers must only use a D.C.P type of a fire extinguisher or call the fire station.
- Do not attempt to repair any appliance or any other part of the system yourself or when the system is in use.
- Keep hands and face clear of any stream of escaping liquid and where possible, wear thermally insulated gloves.
Ensure that regular servicing of the manifolds, equipment, burners etc. is done in order to avoid hazardous situations. For more information contact us.
* The stand by system (if installed) can be used. Please ensure that the one in use earlier is completely shut. If stand by system is not available please DO NOT attempt to repair the equipment yourself. Shut down the system entirely and call your LPG service provider immediately.