Ensure you’re LPG safety compliant this winter

With winter in full swing, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) appliances have become more prevalent in households. Ensuring that your LPG appliances are safe and compliant is crucial to prevent accidents and maintain a secure environment for your family. This article provides guidelines for LPG safety checks, highlighting the importance of consulting registered professionals and following general safety tips.

Importance of safety checks

LPG is a reliable and efficient energy source for heating and cooking, but it requires regular safety checks to ensure proper functioning. Neglecting these checks can lead to gas leaks, fires, or even explosions, posing significant risks to your home and loved ones. Regular safety inspections help identify potential issues and ensure that your appliances are operating at peak efficiency, saving you money on energy bills in the long run.

Consulting registered professionals

Regarding LPG safety, it is essential to consult registered professionals for inspections and maintenance. These experts are trained to detect and address any issues with your gas appliances, ensuring they meet safety standards. 

The South African Qualification and Certification Committee for Gas (SAQCC Gas) maintains a list of registered professionals authorised to perform safety checks and repairs. Hiring a certified technician provides peace of mind and guarantees that your appliances are in safe hands.

General safety tips

In addition to professional inspections, there are several general safety tips that you can follow to ensure the safe use of LPG appliances:

1. Proper ventilation: Always ensure that the area where your gas appliance is used is well-ventilated. This helps in dispersing any leaked gas and prevents the buildup of dangerous fumes.
2. Regular maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance checks for your LPG appliances. Clean and service them as the manufacturer recommends to ensure they function efficiently and safely.
3. Turning off gas supply: When your gas appliances are not in use, turn off the gas supply at the cylinder valve. This simple step can prevent accidental leaks and reduce the risk of fire.
4. Storage of cylinders: Store LPG cylinders upright in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This reduces the risk of gas expansion and potential leaks.

Purchasing and refilling LPG cylinders

When purchasing or refilling LPG cylinders, it is crucial to buy from reputable suppliers to ensure the quality and safety of the gas. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Check seals and labels: Ensure the LPG cylinder has a proper seal and is labelled with relevant safety information. This indicates that the cylinder has been inspected and approved for use.
2. Avoid overfilling: Never attempt to overfill your LPG cylinder. Overfilled cylinders can lead to gas leakage, posing serious safety hazards.
3. Transporting cylinders: When transporting LPG cylinders, secure them upright and avoid placing them in enclosed spaces like car trunks. This minimises the risk of gas buildup in case of a leak.

Checking for Gas Leaks

Regularly checking for gas leaks is a vital part of LPG safety. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Soap Solution Test: Apply soap to the connections and joints of your LPG appliances and cylinders. If bubbles form, it indicates a gas leak. Turn off the gas supply immediately and contact a registered professional for repairs.
2. Smell for Gas: LPG has a distinctive odour added to it for easy detection. If you smell gas, open windows and doors to ventilate the area, avoid using electrical switches, and turn off the gas supply at the cylinder valve.
3. Listen for Hissing Sounds: Sometimes, gas leaks can be detected by a hissing sound near the gas connections. If you hear this, follow the same safety steps as mentioned above.


Ensuring your LPG appliances are safe and compliant is essential for a worry-free winter. Regular safety checks, consulting registered professionals, and following general safety tips can significantly reduce the risks associated with LPG use. Stay vigilant and proactive and enjoy the benefits of LPG while keeping your home and family safe.

Order your gas online with SimsGas

SimsGas offers convenient online gas ordering, ensuring you have the fuel to create these exceptional Heritage Day recipes. With the ease of cooking with gas, you’ll have more time to focus on the joy of preparing and sharing a delectable meal that embodies the spirit of togetherness on this special day.

Order your LPG Gas online: https://simsgas.co.za/shop/
Phone: 0861 746 7427
Email: jhbsales@simsgas.co.za

We will deliver to your home or business, so order today!

Johannesburg Phone: 011 494 4232
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Email: jhbsales@simsgas.co.za

Resources:
https://www.lpgas.co.za/lpgas-winter-appliance-safety-checks/