Details of the latest two incidents involving gas, which were carried in some media, unfortunately were not correct, as none of them involved exploded cylinders.
One was the result of a defective appliance and the other was due to a cracked rubber pipe. The first of the three recent incidents is under a magisterial investigation and therefore one cannot make any statement until the enquiry is concluded, explained a Liquigas Malta spokesperson.
All Liquigas green and yellow cylinders are filled in a modern €25 million state-of-the-art facility at Bengħajsa, which tests each individual cylinder before being distributed in the market. Cylinders are also regularly tested and certified by TUV, a technical inspection association that conducts testing to international standards and directives that are endorsed by leading quality and safety marks.
The Maltese authorities also oversee the filling operations and have always found that Liquigas cylinders comply with all regulations.
Customers are urged to ensure that the appliances are well maintained and that the regulator and rubber hose are in a good condition.
Regulators should be replaced every 10 years. Old regulator should be disposed of immediately
Some regulators on the market are not of good quality. In any case, regulators should be replaced every 10 years. The old regulator should be disposed of immediately so that it is never used or installed again. Regulators are precisely set by the manufacturer to control the pressure of the supply, and therefore they must not be adjusted privately.
Only hoses specifically manufactured to serve as a gas pipe should be installed. These should be regularly checked for possible cracks and, moreover, replaced every five years.
Gas, like any other fuel, is safe as long as it is used properly. If a leak is suspected, gas should be immediately turned off and the regulator removed from the cylinder valve. Doors and windows should be opened for adequate ventilation.
In the case of Liquigas cylinders, customers are urged to check that the cylinders they are receiving have a Liquigas-branded seal (see photo). He explained that this seal has a serial number for identification and traceability with the words ‘Liquigas’ on it. This seal offers peace of mind to customers as it shows that the cylinder has been tested and properly filled at Liquigas facility, and therefore carries the guarantee of quality.
From time to time, Liquigas distributes information leaflets to households to maintain awareness about safety issues when using gas cylinders.