Pretoria Guide to Gas Safety

By admin | August 17, 2025

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LP Gas is safe when respected. Follow these rules for storage, transport, installation and daily use — and make sure everyone in your home or business knows the leak drill.

Storage: upright, outdoors, ventilated

• Store cylinders upright, on firm level ground, in a ventilated cage or open area.
• Keep away from direct sun, drains, basements and ignition sources.
• Never store spare bottles under stairs or in unventilated rooms.

Transport safely

• Transport upright, secured against falling, with the valve closed.
• Ventilate the vehicle — never carry bottles in a sealed boot for long trips.

Seals, regulators & hoses

• Check the seal on every exchange — refuse unsealed bottles.
• Use SABS-approved regulators and hoses, correctly matched to the appliance.
• Respect the 5-year hose expiry printed on the hose; replace sooner if cracked or stiff.
• Fixed installations must be done professionally with a Certificate of Conformity (COC).

Soap test & flame check

Brush soapy water over valve, regulator and hose joints with the gas on — bubbles reveal leaks. A healthy LPG flame burns blue; persistent yellow-orange flames, soot or a strange smell mean your appliance needs servicing.

Ventilation always

Gas appliances consume oxygen. Never use unflued heaters or cookers in sealed rooms — keep airflow, especially in winter.

If you smell gas — 4 steps

1. Shut the valve at the cylinder if safe to reach.
2. Ventilate — open doors and windows.
3. Evacuate everyone to at least 100m away.
4. Call for help — your supplier or emergency services, from outside.

Do NOT: flip light switches, use phones inside, light flames or candles, or start vehicles nearby.