PETALING JAYA: Trying to save a small amount by opting for substandard cooking gas cylinder accessories can be deadly, says the manager of a gas cylinder company.
Kim Huat Seng Kee Sdn Bhd manager Wong Huey Ling said gas hoses and regulators of poor quality are being sold for between RM10 and RM30.
She said many of the cheap hoses are transparent and “are good only for use as water hoses”.
ALSO READ: Don’t leave gas safety to chance
“We greatly discourage the use of such hoses and cheap regulators. Quality hoses are those that are reinforced, threaded and coded BS-3212.
“For regulators, always use those approved by Sirim or the Energy Commission.
“It is best to buy these items from licensed gas cylinder suppliers,” she said.
Wong said households should never use a high-pressure regulator, which she said is meant for commercial use.
“Doing so can end up damaging the burner of a home kitchen stove, causing an explosion as home gas cylinders have low pressure gas output.
“There are households unaware that there are two types of regulators.
“The salespeople are unaware as well and sell their products without educating the consumer,” she said.
Wong said oil should also never be used to lubricate a hose when attaching it to the regulator and burner valve.
“Oil is flammable and can pose a fire hazard. Instead, use soap water to lubricate and slide the hoses accordingly,” she said.
Wong said apart from cylinders, regulators, hoses and clamps, the serviceability of gas burners should also be monitored for wear and tear.
She said poor quality burners do not last long and may rust over time, turning them into a source of leaks.
“When we go to bed at night, we often close our windows and doors.
“If there is a gas leak, it will build up within the house.
“LPG (liquified petroleum gas) from the cylinders are heavy and will settle on the floor.
“When we wake up and smell the gas odour, the density of the gas is considered very high already.
“Never switch on your room lights or any electrical appliance. Ventilate the house by opening the doors and windows before removing the regulator from the gas cylinder,” Wong said.
Kim Huat Seng Kee has been in the business for over 40 years and often holds in-house training sessions to educate and update its staff on gas cylinder safety, also encouraging them to share their knowledge with consumers.
