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.
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