Every year, substandard and faulty liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks and gas leaks cause fires and explosions in the Philippines.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that at least 104 fires involving LPG occurred in 2018. LPG was the cause of 95 fires in 2019. In 2020, at least 85 were reported, and in 2021, 47.

Three LPG tank explosions were reported in 2022. The first occurred in March when an LPG tank leak in a residential area in Cainta, Rizal, resulted in a catastrophic explosion. A second explosion that occurred in April after that one injured two people in Pateros. The second explosion happened in a mall in Pagadian City that was controlled by the local government.

In light of such incidences, the Department of Energy (DOE) reminded the public to do the following in case of leakage of LPG leakage:

1. Open all doors and windows fully.
2. If possible, switch off the regulator (if it is in the “on” position).
3. If leakage is from the valve, immediately put the safety cap in.
4. Take the cylinder in an open area and contact the distributor or emergency service.

To prevent fire or explosions, the energy agency strongly warned against turning on or off any electrical equipment inside the home and lighting matches, lighters, and stoves.

As an added precautionary measure, one way to test leaks is to wipe the LPG tank’s hose and valve using a sponge with soap. According to the BFP, an indication that there is a leak is when bubbles form in the area where the soap was applied.

The BFP also suggested cleaning LPG tanks at least once a week to remove residual oils that attract mice, which could puncture the tank’s hose.

Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1714829/for-posting-edited-consumers-warned-vs-illegal-gas-tanks