LPG accidents double in 4 years

Authorities say lack of knowledge and simple carelessness are responsible for most LPG-related fires.

By Nandita Raman

BANGALORE (Oct. 11)—The number of liquid petroleum gas cylinder accidents registered in Bangalore has doubled in the past four years.

A total of 186 accidents occurred in the city last year. In August alone, around 13 LPG accidents occurred. There were 93 such accidents in 2007.

Authorities cite carelessness and a lack of knowledge about the dangers of LPG as the cause of the accidents.

“People are not aware that LPG is highly inflammable and can cause serious damage,” said N. U. Errapa, chief fire officer of Bangalore West.

Kitchens in most homes are not properly ventilated, which exponentially increases the chance of fire if there is a leak.

“People are not careful and neglect all the safety measures,” Errapa said.

Errapa added that many connections are illegal, but the fire department does not probe into them, preferring to leave that to the police. 

According to Errapa, people sometimes forget to close the regulator, and a slight spark is enough to cause a fire.

LPG is a very good source of fuel for cooking, but if not used carefully it can prove to be fatal.

“I use LPG for cooking, and the more I hear about the accidents, the more I am in fear. I check every night to see if the knob is closed properly,” said A. S. Meenakshi, a homemaker.

The number of accidents linked to misuse of LPG cylinders has doubled since 2009.

But negligence is not the only cause of accidents—poor maintenance can be as deadly.

“Maintaining the rubber tube that connects the cylinder to the stove is also important,” Errapa said.

‘Fire safety should be taught in schools’

The fire department tries to improve safety by organizing awareness programs across the city.

School and college students are taught how to exit buildings during a fire and the best way to deal with blazes.

“Fire safety should be taught as a subject in schools as it very important,” said Don Ramolous, a fire safety officer.

The Karnataka government has said it will start installing direct piped gas lines by 2012. Though more expensive, they are a safer alternative to the current set-up.