Energy Agency highlights guidelines for safe use of cooking gas

May 10, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News- The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) on Friday highlighted a number of guidelines, it said, should be followed to ensure cooking gas is utilised in a safe manner.

In a statement to the media, the GEA said, a lack of awareness regarding the safe use of cooking gas can be hazardous and lead to leaks, explosions, fires, poisoning, and in extreme cases, fatalities. It said the guidelines outline safety practices for the transportation, handling, storage, installation, and use of cooking gas or LPG cylinders in households.

The agency said Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) commonly known as cooking gas, is widely used and is an efficient source for cooking, heating, electricity generation, transportation, and various other purposes in many households. It is important to note that despite its numerous advantages, cooking gas is highly flammable and poses severe risks if not handled with proper safety measures and caution.

In order to promote safety and ensure the well-being of individuals and property, it is very important to follow the recommended safety protocols when using cooking gas or LPG cylinders, the GEA stated.

Meanwhile, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has issued the GYS 264:2021 Specification for the Storage, Handling, and Transportation of LPG Cylinders to provide clear and effective guidelines for cooking gas consumers.

“Consumer awareness of potential hazards, understanding the importance of safety measures, and adhering to the recognised safety guidelines can help to prevent tragic accidents and create a safer environment for individuals and their households,” the agency said.

The statement outlined guidelines on what to look for when purchasing cooking gas cylinders; customers should examine cylinders to ensure that the seal that suppliers place on it are properly affixed, and the safety cap is securely intact at the time of purchase. It is advised that cylinders with broker seals not be accepted.

Secondly, the cylinder should also be checked for any visible signs of damage, including cuts, sharp dents, bulging, corrosion, leaks or pitting. If any of these are observed the cylinder should not be accepted.

In relation to transporting and handling of the cylinders, the agency advises that they should not be thrown, dropped, dragged or rolled on the sides. Instead, they must be carried by hand or using a trolley.

Cylinders should be secured in uprightly during transport and the valve should face upwards, minimizing the risk of movement, physical damage or tipping. Vehicles use for transport should be well ventilated, with all windows open, and a cylinder should never be left in a parked vehicle with closed windows. Heat can quickly build up, potentially causing the cylinder to overpressurise, leading to the release of propane inside the vehicle.  This could bring the propane into contact with an ignition source, creating a hazardous situation. Store cylinders upright in a dry and well-ventilated area, away from combustible and flammable materials, heat sources (including heat-emitting appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, generators, and water pumps), and other gases to prevent gas buildup.

“Cylinders must be stored with their valves upright and free from any obstructions to prevent damage. Cylinders must be placed on a level and firm base and be well secured to prevent them from moving and falling. No more than 27 kg (60 lbs. or three 20 lb. cylinders) should be stored indoors in households.  If a larger quantity needs to be stored indoors, seek guidance from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). There are specific rules and regulations for storing different quantities of cooking gas or LPG cylinders, and these must be followed,” the Energy Agency advised.

It is also advised that customers use supplier-recommended regulators, hoses, and clamps that are specifically designed for attachment to the particular cylinder, as this helps to ensure secure connections. Check that the rubber seal on the cylinder valve is intact and properly fitted. Firmly attach the regulator to the top of the cylinder, ensuring it is securely in place according to the supplier’s operating instructions for attaching the regulator, hose, and clamps to the specific cylinder.

The hose should be inserted fully into the regulator’s outlet, with clamps properly positioned around both the hose and the outlet. Avoid using excessive pressure when attaching the clamps, as this could cause perforations, cracks, or breaks in the hose.

When using cylinders, it is crucial to ensure that the stove knobs and regulator are in the OFF position before disconnecting and connecting a cylinder. Care should be taken not to connect or disconnect a cylinder near a heat source, including heat-emitting appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, generators, and water pumps etc., smoke or a naked flame.

Before lighting a match, ensure that the knobs on the stove are in the OFF position before lighting a match. Light the match before turning the stove knob to the ON position. It should also be ensured that the regulator attached to the cylinder is in the OFF position when the cylinder is not in use. Also, check that the stove knobs are in the OFF position during and after cleaning the stove to prevent any hazards. Leaving the stove knobs unintentionally in the ON position can lead to gas leaks or accidental ignitions, which could result in a fire or explosion.

Customer should also, “Regularly inspect the regulator and hose to ensure they are in good condition and free from damage or cracks.  Hoses should be replaced every 2 to 5 years, while regulators should be replaced every 5 years, depending on the wear and tear. Regularly inspect the cylinder to check for gas leaks by applying a solution of soapy water, (such as a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water), to the cylinder valve. Look for bubbles, which indicate a gas leak. If the cylinder or gas connections show signs of damage or corrosion, replace them immediately. It is important to schedule routine maintenance checks for the cylinder and gas connections to identify any potential issues before they become serious problems,” the agency further stated.

Cylinders and regulators must be handled exclusively by adults. It is not advisable for children to install or change cylinders, regulators, or operate gas stoves. There is an added chemical in cooking gas called ethyl mercaptan, that gives it a distinct odour similar to that of rotten eggs, rotten cabbage, burnt tyres or sulphur.

If there is the smell of cooking gas, it is possible that there is a gas leak. Also, if a constant hissing sound is heard coming from the cylinder, it is possible there is a leak. Do not light the stove if gas is smelt or it is suspected that there is a gas leak.

“If the stove is on, TURN IT OFF. Do not panic.  Open all doors and windows to ventilate the rooms and allow the gas to dissipate. Do not operate any electrical equipment until the area is properly ventilated. Turn off the regulator on the cylinder, disconnect the cylinder and take it outdoors,” the agency advised.

Contact the Guyana Fire Service and the gas supplier (Massy, Sol or Guygas) for additional information and assistance, using the following emergency contact numbers:

 

Entity	Emergency Number
Guyana Fire Service	912
Guygas	638-4427
Massy Gas Products Guyana Ltd.	600-0839
Sol Guyana Inc./HSE Support for agency contact or assistance.	600-4409/600-1315 (HSE Support)

 

Adherence to these safety protocols, will ensure that consumers are educated on safe practices for transportation, handling, storage, installation, and use of cooking gas in their households. They are also encouraged to consistently implement these practices. This contributes to prioritising safety and health in households while effectively mitigating the potential risks associated with the use of cooking gas.

Consumer awareness and responsible use are essential to ensuring that cooking gas or LPG remains a safe and reliable source of energy in households across the country.

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• cooking gas, cylinders, GEA, guidelines

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