Bundaberg residents planning a backyard barbecue, or a camping, boating or caravanning holiday are encouraged to follow some simple tips to have a gas-safe summer.
Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said gas safety checks on popular portable gas appliances like barbecues, camp cookers, refrigerators and lanterns should not be overlooked.
“We know getting outside is part of Queensland’s great lifestyle but it’s important people put gas safety on their summer checklist,” he said.
“Gas appliances can be dangerous if they aren’t regularly checked for damage, transported safely, and used according to manufacturer’s instructions.
“Gas barbecues leaking is one of the most common causes of gas incidents in Queensland.
“Before you host that sausage sizzle or hit the road on your great outdoors holiday, be sure to use our simple gas safety checklist.”
Resources Safety and Health Queensland has prepared some simple gas safety checks to ensure portable gas appliances are safe to use these holidays:
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe assembly and use.
• Check cylinders for holes, rust, dints and damage and if it is damaged don’t use it.
• Check your cylinder’s test date stamp and if it hasn’t been tested in 10 years, get a new one.
• Check fittings on barbecues, valves and hoses for any signs of fading, fraying, cracking or splitting and check for missing ‘O’ ring seals.
• Apply soapy water to connections between the appliance and the gas cylinder to check for bubbles, which indicates a dangerous leak.
• Check your gas cylinder connection is compatible with older barbecues.
• Secure gas bottles firmly in transit and keep them out of the sun, which can cause gas expansion and leaks.
• Always use a licensed gas fitter to fix, test, or install new appliances. You can look up licensed gas fitters on the Gas Safety Queensland site.
For more advice on gas safety this summer click here.
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There’s no such thing as using gas safely even if you ticked all the boxes you are still breathing in burnt chemicals. This is why there’s a growing push to go electric even in commercial environments where we have industrial exhaust fans installed.