The recurrence of Gas cylinder explosions: endangering lives

In Pakistan, the supply of substandard gas cylinders threatens the people, forcing them to fend for themselves.

The explosion of gas cylinders at home has caused numerous fatalities and injuries in past years. 

Last year, at Rawalpindi, a mother with two children succumbed to burnt injuries from gas leakage at home due to a spark in the switch as the mother turned on the lights, The Express tribune.

Everyone must follow safety precautions as it is a communal responsibility to prevent society from hazards, whether out or indoors.

Everyone must follow safety precautions to prevent society from indoor hazards that cause immense fatalities and injuries.

The precautions are:

1. Check the nozzle before using the gas cylinder.
2. The safety distance between stove and cylinder should be 5 feet.
3. Fit the furnace or heater higher than the cylinder.
4. Do not under any circumstances use the cylinder upside down.
5. The cylinder itself does not explode, but its nozzle goes out, and the accident occurs.
6. Never fill the cylinder with gas. Pour half of its capacity.
7. Don’t forget to turn off gas heaters and stoves before bed.

According to Tribune, a gas cylinder exploded while refilling in a shop at Dijikot in June 2022. The incident caused severe burnt injuries and shattered windows of the shops nearby.

The fatalities result from not abiding by SOPs from the cylinder selling stores. Many shops are selling gas cylinders with no precautions. The recurrence of explosions in Lahore is because of the grave violations and rules created for this business. A burning cigarette that falls near the cylinder can become the cause of a significant accident.

Moreover, the explosion of cylinders in transport is yet another issue never raised. As a result, numerous accidents have been reported of gas cylinders exploding in cars, rickshaws, and buses.

There should be a strategic plan to resolve this hazard. The program will surely help in the reduction of fatalities and injuries.