We have always known that gas bottles are dangerous. Unfortunately, they sometimes lead to serious or even fatal accidents. This became apparent once again last spring when a bottle exploded with tremendous force in Deerlijk, Belgium, resulting in one death and one serious injury. But no matter how risky they are, gas bottles are indispensable in the hospitality industry. So we would like to give you some tips. To minimize the risks as far as possible.

Let’s start with the good news. Gas bottles don’t explode just like that! Generally, an explosion is caused by a gas leak or by extremely high temperatures.

Very hot temperatures can cause an explosion. Consider, for example, the temperature that arises in case of a fire. Of course, this is an exceptional situation.

Less exceptional, unfortunately, are gas leaks. These also pose an explosion hazard. A spark, static electricity, or simply opening the room can ignite a gas flame.

Purchase and store with care

Be alert when purchasing and check to be sure the valve of the gas bottle is sealed. The seal ensures that the bottle has been filled correctly.

If you store significant quantities of gas, you must adhere to a series of legal guidelines.

• Gas bottles must never be stored in a cellar, near a cellar window, or near a drain. This applies to both full and empty gas bottles.
• Gas bottles must never be placed near a heat source.
• Both full and empty gas bottles must always be stored upright. They must also be set up securely and in a well-ventilated area.
• The tap of unused gas bottles must always be turned off, whether they are empty or full.
• A gas bottle must be equipped with a pressure regulator that fits on the coupling. It should also be placed as close as possible to the gas bottle.

If the installation of the cylinder involves a flexible connection, this connection must meet several requirements. Safety regulations may differ from country to country. So be sure to check the rules of your country.

Be careful when connecting or inspecting!

Connecting gas, it seems like a breeze. But there are a few things that you must keep in mind. First and foremost, the gas bottle must never be placed near a heat source. In addition, you may only open the tap by hand; don’t use any tools to do this.

When checking for leaks, it is best to work with soapy water or a foaming product. If there is any leakage, you must immediately close the gas bottle.

Smoking is of course prohibited, both during connection and during inspection.

Three rules of thumb to decrease the risk of explosion

To minimize the risk of explosion, we will conclude with three rules of thumb.

Rule number 1 is the most important one. Do not store your gas bottles in an indoor space, certainly never in a lower-lying space such as a cellar or basement. After all, the gas in bottles is always butane or propane, two substances that are heavier than air. Therefore, the gas automatically drops. When it accumulates, it enters the explosion zone. If gas explodes in an indoor space, the damage is many times greater than in an outdoor space.

If the gas valve is not closed properly, gas can simply leak out. If the gas escapes into the open air, the danger is less. So it is better to keep gas bottles outside. It is best to keep them away from rain or sun. Normally, moisture and sun do not cause combustion, but they may still have an effect on the bottle or hose. So store bottles in a shady corner or cover them with a large bucket or other lid.

Rule number 2 has to do with the life of the material. Gas can leak through a tiny crack in the gas hose. Do you use a gas hose? Then remember that it often only lasts for four years. If you have an orange gas hose, the production date is stated on it. It must be replaced no more than five years after the production date. The reason is that such a hose is porous. So check the lifespan of your material carefully and replace it in time.

Rule number 3 is not preventative but is an essential guideline if a gas leak is suspected. Gas is naturally odorless, but gas companies add an odor to it so possible gas leaks can be detected. Because it is unpleasant, this odour is very recognizable. Gas smells like rotten eggs. If you notice the smell of rotten eggs, leave the room immediately and call the emergency number. Do not investigate yourself before or after the call. Only experienced experts such as the fire brigade can handle this.

Stay on the safe side!

Conclusion: gas is and remains dangerous, but with the right precautions and these three rules of thumb, you can avoid many risks. So watch out and stay safe!

The current Belgian safety regulations can be found at the site of the Federation Butane Pro: https://www.febupro.be/nl/veiligheid-reglementering-flessen/. Safety regulations may differ from country to country. So be sure to check the rules of your country.