Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been around for decades and has been the go-to kitchen fuel for eight million Filipino households.
Despite its popularity as an efficient and environmentally friendly way of cooking, there are still myths and questions about its safety.
Whether you’re just starting out or already know your way around the kitchen, arming yourself with knowledge on how LPG tanks work will give you confidence when cooking and preparing dishes.
Here are some facts about LPG that you need to know:
LPG tanks hardly explode on their own
You may have been led to believe that LPG tanks are accidents waiting to happen, but an LPG doesn’t just explode on its own. In fact, explosions from LPG tanks are extremely rare even when attempted intentionally.
If LPG explosions have nothing to do with the tank itself, what causes them? LPG explosions may happen due to gas leaks that build up in large amounts in a closed space, which is why it is important to place your LPG tank in a well-ventilated area.
It can also happen when the tank is continuously exposed to extremely high temperatures, such as fires.
With safe and responsible practices, LPG explosions could be prevented.
LPG doesn’t have an expiry date, but its tank does
LPG itself has no expiration date and can be used even if stored for several months or years. However, you should check the requalification date of the tank, which indicates the date when the tank is due for maintenance. Tanks past their requalification date are best replaced to ensure they are not prone to leaks.
On the other hand, tank regulators last up to five years, while an LPG hose lasts up to three years. While these LPG accessories are made to last long, they may need to be replaced earlier if there are signs of damage.
An LPG’s pungent smell is made for safety
LPG in its pure form does not emit odor. But for safety purposes, they are mixed with a chemical odorant called Ethanethiol (Ethyl Mercaptan) that will result in a pungent smell. This distinctive smell will warn you of a gas leak due to an accident or if the LPG tank’s valve is not closed properly.
What should you do if you get a foul smell from the kitchen?
First, check if the stove is off. Then, open the windows and doors to improve ventilation. Turn off any electrical switches, plugs and appliances to avoid sparks that may ignite the gas.
LPG is best placed in a well-ventilated place, not inside a cabinet
LPG vapor is heavier than air, so in case of potential leaks, the gas will settle to the ground and other low- lying areas.
Accumulated gas may lead to possible explosions. That’s why it is important not to store LPG tanks in basements, cellars, or other closed spaces.
LPG tanks are best stored outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, with ample protection from direct sunlight and heat, and away from wet areas that may cause rust.
Now that you know these facts about LPG, be more at peace and confident with the safety of your household by trusting only reliable LPG brands like Solane. Purchase only from authorized Solane LPG dealers to ensure that you receive genuine Solane tanks, which have gone through rigorous safety and quality checks.
Solane tanks with A/S valve (de salpak) also come with an auto shut-off (AS) valve with a snap-on auto shut-off feature, which automatically closes when it detects a leak.
Additionally, Solane riders can perform the seven-point Safety check upon delivery to help install your Solane LPG tank safely and correctly.
To order Verified Solane LPG, customers may call the Hatid Bahay Hotline – (02) 8887-5555, send a message to 0918- 887-5555 (Smart) / 0917 8977555 (Globe) or the Solane Facebook page, or place their orders through the Solane app. Customers may also place an order through the Web Ordering Platform.
