Gas trouble
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gas leak incidents
We've assigned the inspectors concerned to conduct regular mock drills and awareness programmes across rural and urban areas. These sessions cover topics such as what to do during a gas leak, how to respond during a fire, how ignition can occur, and safety measures
—Fire and Emergency Services Department official
Precautions to prevent LPG-related accidents
Use only authorised dealers for LPG installation and servicing
Regularly check the hose (rubber or plastic pipe) and regulator
Replace equipment as per safety norms (typically every 5 years)
Install a gas leak detector in the kitchen
Turn off the regulator when not in use, especially at night or when leaving home
Keep the kitchen well- ventilated
Never use matches, lighters, or switches if you suspect a leak
Store cylinders upright in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat or sunlight
Don't tamper with the valve, cylinder, or regulator
Keep a fire extinguisher handy and teach all family members basic safety steps
Join or organise mock drills in your community for better preparedness
A tragic fire incident triggered by a gas leak during a cylinder change that claimed two lives in the city on Thursday has brought to the fore the need for safety measures while handling LPG yet again.Officials highlighted the serious risks associated with improper handling of LPG. On Thursday, a gas leak led to a devastating fire, resulting in the deaths of two person and causing critical injuries to four others. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was ignited by a lamp after a gas leak went unnoticed during cylinder replacement.Earlier this year, on January 6, an LPG cylinder explosion in Bommasandra caused significant damage and injuries. In March, a couple sustained severe burns due to an LPG leak in Frazer Town. Additionally, six people, including a child, were injured in an LPG explosion in Abbaiah Reddy Layout near Baiyappanahalli.Officials and safety reports indicate that such incidents are more common in rural areas, largely due to low awareness, delayed maintenance, and limited access to essential safety resources.To reduce the risk of gas leaks and cylinder-related accidents, it is essential to take a proactive approach, experts said. Fire safety experts said regular safety inspections of LPG cylinders and connections should be made mandatory and conducted by certified professionals. Government bodies and LPG providers must also organise awareness programs that educate the public about safe usage, identifying leaks, and responding during emergencies, they said.Furthermore, mock drills and training sessions must be carried out at regular intervals in residential colonies, schools, colleges, workplaces, and public areas. These help in familiarising people with emergency protocols and boost their confidence to handle real-life situations. Strict implementation of safety regulations, along with routine monitoring by fire and safety departments, will ensure a culture of accountability and preparedness, said an expert.A senior official from theDepartment told BM that nearly 15,000 mock drills were conducted across the state in 2024.'We've assigned the inspectors concerned to conduct regular mock drills and awareness programmes across city, rural, and urban areas. These sessions cover crucial topics such as what to do during a gas leak, how to respond during a fire, how ignition can occur, and safety measures to follow. Awareness lectures are routinely conducted in schools, colleges, offices, and public spaces,' the official stated.According to official sources,continue to be more frequent in rural areas compared to urban zones. Experts attribute this trend to a combination of poor awareness, lack of timely maintenance, and limited access to safety resources.In many rural households, rubber tubes, regulators, and stoves are used well beyond their recommended life span, without replacements or inspections. 'We've seen that people often don't replace old equipment due to cost concerns or simply lack of knowledge,' said a senior official from the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services.Additionally, most rural homes lack proper ventilation and are built with flammable materials, making them more vulnerable to fire spread in case of a leak.
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