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Gas barbecue fires cause
burns and property damage
Look before you cook
ESV’s look before you cook barbecue safety
campaign is currently in full swing, with public
events and promotions designed to encourage
the safe use of gas barbecues.
In November ESV distributed 52,000 free
bottles with the Herald Sun with instructions
for how to perform a soapy water test.
Beachgoers were reminded of the need to
look before you cook when ESV held a free public
barbecue at St Kilda foreshore in January, handing
out safety information to more than 750 people.
By Michelle Robertson, Senior Media
and Communications Adviser
Two separate gas barbecue fires that
made headlines in January could have
been prevented with simple soapy
water tests for gas leaks.
A fire caused by a leaking LP Gas barbecue
cylinder severely damaged one home and spread
to another in Chirnside Park.
The fire broke out in a two-storey townhouse
complex after some occupants were barbecuing
on a balcony. Just before the fire started there
was a smell of LP Gas coming from the gas hose
connection.
Residents were safely evacuated but it took
firefighters two hours to control the blaze. ESV’s
Director of Energy Safety, Paul Fearon, said it was
a reminder that gas barbecues could be deadly
if not maintained properly.
“Every summer ESV runs its look before
you cook campaign because we know that
gas barbecues can be extremely dangerous.
“It is incredible that nobody was injured in
this incident, which probably could have been
prevented with some simple checks of the
barbecue and the gas hose connections.
“It’s a very timely reminder to always look
before you cook by checking that barbecue
Safe use
of outdoor
portable gas
appliances
By Jason Treseder, Gas Engineer
Summer and autumn are times we enjoy
the great outdoors and make use of our
portable gas appliances. Unfortunately
this is also the time we see an increase
in the number of gas-related incidents.
Before you pack the barbeque or heater
and head off to your favourite spot, spend
a little time to make sure your portable gas
appliance is in good order.
Look for damage or missing parts and
check all hoses, seals and O-rings. O-rings
need to be correctly fitted and in good
condition with no visible cracks or damage.
Read the appliance manufacturer’s instructions
if you are not clear on the appliance’s operation
and note the safety warnings provided.
Operating your gas appliance creates
heat. Always locate your appliance on firm,
level ground in an area with ample ventilation.
Close call: A damaged hose from the Box Hill
barbecue fire. ESV has been spreading its
barbecue safety message over summer,
including at St Kilda beach in January (right).
hose connections are tight and doing a soapy
water test to check for gas leaks.”
In a separate incident in Box Hill, a 13-year-old
girl and her uncle were injured when attempting
to use a wok on a cooker that was attached
to a gas bottle.
The gas cylinder’s hose was loose, allowing
LP Gas to escape in the garage. The leaking
gas ignited, causing an explosion and fire.
Emergency services respond to an
average of one barbecue-related incident
per day over the summer months.
Ensure you provide adequate clearance around
your appliance from nearby combustible
materials such as timber walls, tent walls,
sheds and fences.
Your instruction manual, and markings
on the appliance, will specify the minimum
clearances you need. Particular attention
should be paid to side clearances and
overhead clearances to avoid the risk of fire.
Before lighting your appliance check all
connections for gas leaks. Do this every time the
appliance is operated and in particular for new
appliances or those that haven’t been used for
a while. Coat the connections with soapy water,
either with a brush or squirt bottle. If you see
bubbles forming it is a sign that there is a gas
leak at that point. Isolate the gas at the cylinder
or cartridge and investigate the cause of the leak.
It may simply be a matter of tightening the
connection and checking again, or it may be
the result of missing or damaged seals that you
must replace. If the connection continues to leak,
disconnect the gas and do not use the appliance
until the cause of the leak has been repaired.
If you cannot fix the leak contact the supplier
ora licensed gasfitter for assistance.
When using portable gas appliances
there is a potential for carbon monoxide gas
to be produced. To minimise this risk it is
essential that you do not use these appliances
indoors. They are made for outdoor use only.
This rule applies particularly to barbecues,
patio heaters and camping heaters. These
appliances will show clear warnings on the
appliance and in the instruction manual.
All gas appliances require fresh air to
operate and ventilation to allow the products
of combustion to escape. Appliances such as
portable unflued camping heaters and patio
heaters should never be used indoors at any
time. Indoor areas include unventilated areas
such as tents, caravans, cars or any other
areas that generally have inadequate fresh
air and ventilation available.
Using an un-flued camping heater indoors
or in areas without adequate ventilation will
consume the available oxygen in the room.
This decrease will affect normal combustion
and the heater will begin producing high
levels of carbon monoxide, which can
result in poisoning, injury and in extreme
circumstances death.
Operate and maintain your portable gas
appliances correctly. Reduce the risks of
carbon monoxide poisoning, fire and gas
leaks and minimise the r \