The Consumer Affairs Authority has ordered the recalled of two types of gas regulators after tests showed them to be unsafe.
In a statement this afternoon, the Authority said it had tested regulators and valves used on LPG cylinders and some were found to pose a serious risk.
It ordered a recall of TPA Butane LR2522 and Liquicontrol Malta regulators (photos) and added that most of the regulators found on the Maltese market were suitable for use on 'Butane' gas only and not of 'LPG' gas, which is the gas supplied locally.
It has therefore ordered those supplying these regulators to ensure that the products are suitable for use with the type of gas supplied locally.
The Authority said that the public should ensure that regulators are suitable for the type of gas supplied. All regulators are marked according to the type of gas they are designed to work upon. Regulators which are marked with 'Butane' should not be used on LPG cylinders;
Consumers should also replace old regulators as recommended by the manufacturer, and use appropriate flexible hoses that have an expiry date printed on them. Normal water hoses should never be used. Flexible hoses should be secured to the regulator nozzle with hose clips.
LIQUIGAS TO REPLACE REGULATORS
Liquigas Malta Ltd said it had been notified by the Authority that the Liquicontrol regulator did not fully comply with EN12864 standard.
As a preventive measure the manufacturer, Lagoplast s.r.l., has agreed to replace this regulators with an updated version.
"The new regulators are being modified to ensure they will be fully compliant with the required standard and, once re-certified, will be supplied free of charge to all those customers who had purchased a Liquicontrol regulator. There are just under 4,000 of these regulators are on the market," Liquigas said.
"It is expected that the new regulators should be available in September and a media announcement will be made to this effect once they become available"
Liquigas confirmed that no leakages or issues of compatibility have been reported with any Liquicontrol regulator since its introduction last year. Liquicontrol regulators are manufactured by Lagoplast, a reputable supplier in Italy, which has many years of experience manufacturing LPG equipment and has never had any problems with this type of regulator.
"However, once the MCCA has decided that Liquicontrol regulators are not fully compliant, Liquigas Malta has insisted that all necessary measures be taken by its supplier (Lagoplast s.r.l.) to ensure the highest standard of quality and safety."