DON’T LET YOUR AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS GO UP IN SMOKE
What could be more Australian than a BBQ this Australia Day?! Whatever your favourite food, there’s a way to grill it – shrimp, vegetables, sausages, a T-bone, you name it.
But unfortunately, it’s not all fun and games! Every summer, hundreds of BBQ accidents occur, leading to burns and other serious injuries, with some resulting in a trip to the hospital.
It is very important to remember that most barbecues sit out the winter untouched – and so they might not be in the best shape come summer. Hose connections can leak LPG gas, resulting in a potentially explosive situation!
Read on for the safety precautions you should be taking this Australia Day.
THE SOAPY WATER TEST
The first step is to check that your connections are all tight and sealed. It’s very easy at this point to check for any degradation in the hosing: use the soapy water test.
Mix some soap and water together in a bottle and spray along the hose. You can also brush it on, if you don’t have a spray bottle to hand. Spray the hose and all of the connections. If there are any leaks, the soap will form bubbles at those junctions.
When you find a leak, disconnect the joint, clean the mating surfaces of the hose, and then reconnect. If you’re seeing quite a lot of leaks, especially that won’t go away with a simple clean, it’s time to replace that fitting.
If any leakage from a small cylinder’s valve is found or suspected, move the cylinder at least twenty metres away from any source of ignition. Check that the valve is off, and hose the cylinder with water. If you can’t stop the leak, make sure you rest the cylinder upright so that only gas can escape, not liquid. Avoid getting any escaping liquid on yourself, your hands or your face.
GAS LEAKS
Preventing gas leaks is vital – it’s also important to know what to do in case one occurs. As long as you follow these simple steps, you can defuse a potentially dangerous situation. But please remember: if you’re concerned about leaking gas, call a gas plumber immediately!
Even the smallest gas leak can be extremely dangerous. Ensure you only ever use a BBQ in a well ventilated space, to allow gas and burnt gas to dissipate effectively. Never use a barbecue near anything flammable, and ensure children are kept at a safe distance.
Never use a BBQ in a confined space, and it’s best to avoid using one in windy conditions – if the flames are blown out by wind, the LPG can build in the air to an explosive point.
CYLINDER SAFETY
The gas cylinder itself requires special care, being perfectly safe when used correctly.
Fire NSW say that LPG cylinders are safe if used correctly, but if stored or used incorrectly, can be extremely dangerous.
If you ever detect a strong smell of gas, it’s time to call the emergency services on 000!
Always ensure your gas cylinder has been leak tested – keep it upright and prevent it from falling over to prevent the leak of liquids.
It’s also best practice not to smoke or light a flame near to a gas cylinder. Store cylinders upright in well ventilated areas, and use a cylinder plug or gasfuse to prevent leaks. Every ten years, have your cylinder inspected by a professional.
When storing cylinders, don’t expose them to direct heat, light, or sunlight. Fire NSW recommends storing cylinders outdoors, in a cool, well ventilated space.
As you can see, it can be hairy keeping safe around a BBQ. But once you know what to do, it’s really not that hard! A bit of common sense, some forethought and planning, and just that little bit extra care can stop your Australia Day celebrations from turning into a nightmare. Follow these basic safety tips for a safe, enjoyable holiday season, and take care!
If in doubt about any gas plumbing, including BBQ area gas plumbing, call the experts first: get in touch on 1800 620 227 before you attempt a dangerous DIY. Remember: we’re here to repair what your husband fixed!
IS IT REALLY EASY?
We’ve done out best to make the steps above as simple as possible, but please bear in mind that the above information is general and is by no means a substitute for comprehensive professional advice. Before working on your home plumbing, you should always consult a licensed professional.
The key to keeping costs low on your plumbing is identifying faults whilst they are still minor and easily fixable, before they become larger problems, which cause serious damage to your heater or your property – not to mention the safety risks.
At best, a hot water heater malfunction can be a frustrating nuisance; at worst, it can literally explode, which could spell disaster for your home.
Regular maintenance of your hot water heater is a great way to save in the long run. But there are some jobs that really should be left to the experts; heaters are delicate and temperamental, and can be dangerous if you’re not careful.
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