LPG Gas Heater safety precautions

An appliance that is often neglected whern it comes to Gas Safety in the home is the LPG Gas Heater.

A registered gas installer is not required by law to provide your home with heating with these handy gas appliances.  Gas Roll-About Heater Manufacturers provide simple operating instructions, and it is important that you follow these.

We thought it wise, however, to offer some basic safety instructions.

Gas Heater Safety features and Requirements:

The Gas Cylinder - always exchange your has cylinder at a reputable dealer. Make sure that the gas cylinder seal matches the branding on the cylinder.

Rubber Hose Connection from the Gas Heater to the Gas Cylinder - Check that there is a Rubber Seal on the Gas Regulator at the end of the Rubber Hose.

Check that the rubber Gas Seal is in good condition and not perished, cracked or damaged in any way. Rubber Seals can become brittle over time, they may split or even become lodged inside the valve of the Gas Cylinder.

A damaged seal is a prime cause of gas leaks and can make your gas heater a very dangerous appliance.

Left-Hand Thread - Check that you attach the hose connector correctly and tight enough to prevent any leaks. Turn it anti-clockwise to tighten the gas connection and clockwise to loosen the gas hose.

Check for gas leaks

Check for gas leaks with soapy water on all joins in the gas connector.

Once you have checked for leaks you should lift the gas cylinder into the housing behind the gas heater and close the housing panel or backing plate.

It is important that the gas cylinder is inside the heater to prevent accidents being caused by the cylinder being knocked over.

Make sure the regulator points to the rear of the heater and that you can access the gas cylinder valve easily.

Gas Heater Ignition

Each gas heater has its own ignition settings and it is important to read the instructions in this regard.

Your first step is to turn on the gas cylinder valve. A maximum number of 1.5 turns is all that is required to provide enough gas to the heater.

Ignite the gas using the sparking mechanism. An open flame is not required to light modern Gas heaters.

Once the first panel is lit and buring correctly, you may select to ignite further panels.

To stop the gas heater burning, your first step is to turn off the cylinder valve at the gas cylinder.

Make sure you have adequate ventilation. Open flames consume oxygen and you should always have a one or more windows slightly open to prevent the build-up of carbon dioxide in your home.

The Gas Works - Cape Town Gas Installers

The Gas Works is a registered Gas Installer in Cape Town.

Call us for all your gas installation needs.