Frequently Asked Questions

When crude oil is removed of its impurities at a refinery by method of fractional distillation, one if its by-products is LPG.

LPG is a colourless liquid that evaporates into a gas. It has no smell, but does have an odour added to help detect leaks. LPG is supplied in pressurized cylinders to keep it liquefied. The cylinders are designed in accordance with strict regulations to ensure the best possible safety to consumers. However, sufficient care should always be taken when handling cylinders.

LPG is usually less expensive than electricity in that it is faster and can be used for power, heat, light and cooking domestically and commercially. LPG produces significantly lower amounts of some harmful emissions and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2).

Ensure cylinders are stored in an upright position on a level surface in a wellventilated areaat all times. Keep cylinder valves closed when not in use. Cylinders not in use should be stored away from combustible materials e.g. wood, other fuels and gases, electricity plugs.

Liquid LPG expands on temperature variances. With LPG you need 20% of the space above the liquid for expansion. Cylinder design accommodates for these variations in line with safety requirements. LPG bottles should always be filled to 80% capacity to leave room for expansion. All cylinders are filled in accordance to industry standards to ensure you have the correct quantity of LPG you have purchased. Any cylinder overfilled poses a safety risk.

A seal around the valve indicates that the company filling the cylinder has filled this cylinder safely and to the required level. One must ensure that the seal on the cylinder is printed with the company logo matching the cylinder owner logo. This is to avoid purchasing cylinders from suppliers who might not have the best interests of the consumers in mind and possibly place the consumer at risk.

The cylinder will feel lighter to the touch than usual and the flame grow weaker. To test if your bottle needs refilling you can pour hot water down the outside of the gas bottle to heat the steel. The steel above the level of the gas will retain the heat longer than below the level of the gas.

Although LPG gas is colourless and not visible to the naked eye, it has a detectable “Garlic like” odour which is added through a “stenching” process. There should not be any smell when using an appliance. If you detect the smell, close the cylinder valve and tighten the regulator and/or any connection joints to hoses and appliances before opening the valve and test if the leak has been stopped.

Close the cylinder valve immediately.You can locate the leak by spraying the valve, hose and joints with soapy water. If you see bubbles forming, this would normally indicate an area where the leak is.

Take appropriate action as per below –

• Tighten the regulator or joint connections,
• Replace the LPG hose.
• Have appliance checked by Authorised person.