Residents of Kiambu have been advised to make sure that all the gas cylinders are well stored and sealed in order to prevent gas explosions which can lead to the loss of lives.
Speaking from his office on Friday, the area Disaster Management Office, Stephen Ng’ang’a said that gas was a commonly used source of energy in homes within the county and its environs and if not well maintained and stored could lead to disastrous accidents like explosions.
He explained that the cylinders are filled with a highly flammable gas known as methane which due to its nature of supporting combustion users should be very cautious when using it by ensuring that it doesn’t have leaks and that it is tightly closed after being used since in case of a leak it can be easily explode due to a spark of a matchstick or even when turning on electric appliances citing when switching on a light bulb in a room with a leaking gas cylinder.
“Most homes nowadays prefer using gas cylinders instead of stoves and therefore it is important for them to know the dangers that come with it. Every time you use your cylinder for cooking or lighting up the house one should ensure to properly close it avoiding children getting in contact with it as they tend to be playful,” Ng’ang’a said.
The officer also added that before buying it one should ensure that they are not overfilled as it too can cause explosions since when it is opened the pressure exerted will be a lot due to impurities urging the residents to buy them from credible vendors like supermarkets and petrol stations.
Ng’ang’a advised residents to ensure proper ventilation's in the rooms that the cylinders are stored or used. He added that in case someone smells the gas they should ensure that they create fresh air in the room and to avoid using spark generating materials like matchsticks and electrical sockets.