MAWWFRS issues gas cylinder safety advice following an incident

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to take extra care in the home after an incident involving ‘leaking’ LPG cylinders.

On Wednesday 8 May fire crews from Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool and Newton attended a fire involving a Pheasant rearing unit and approximately eight gas cylinders at a property in Welshpool. Fortunately the fire was confined, but one male suffered burns to the hand and was conveyed to hospital. Fire crews used a Darley pump and a thermal imaging camera to help cool down the cylinders.

Bill Swindlehurst, Deputy County Commander for Powys is urging people to be extra vigilant – especially as we enter the BBQ season. In the event of a gas cylinder leak, please take the following action:

• If it is safe to do so, turn off all the LPG appliances.
• If you think you have an LPG leak at a cylinder or the associated pipework, call the LPG supplier so they can come and make the equipment safe.
• If you have a leaking cylinder indoors and it is safe to move the cylinder outdoors, move the cylinder to a well-ventilated location where the leaking gas cannot find its way into a building, basements, cellar or drain.
• If you smell gas, suspect a leak or get headaches when an appliance is used, if it is safe to do so, switch off the appliance and turn off the gas supply at the cylinder(s).
• Contact somebody who is suitably qualified to check over the installation. For appliances and fixed installations in domestic and commercial premises, this should be a GasSafe® Registered technician.

If the leak is indoors, open all the doors and windows. Do not switch any lights or electrical equipment on or off, as this may cause a spark. Do not smoke. In the event of a fire, take the following action:

• Don’t try to put out a fire involving LPG – leave it to the fire brigade. It is safer to evacuate everyone from the area. An overheated cylinder or cartridge may explode.
• Dial 999 to call the fire brigade. Tell them LPG cylinders or cartridges are on the premises.
• Tell everybody to leave the premises and go to a safe place well away from the installation/cylinders/cartridges. If you have a fire alarm, activate it.