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Khaleej Times
25-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Residents urged to take gas safety precautions as temperatures hit over 50°C
As summer temperatures in the UAE soar past 50 degrees Celcius in some areas, safety experts are urging residents and restaurant operators to take extra precautions when handling cooking gas to prevent accidents and fires. This comes after recent fires at restaurants in Al Barsha, which were reportedly caused by gas leaks. When the mercury hits extreme levels, like it has recently, gas cylinders can become dangerous if not stored and handled properly. Mohamed Auon, General Manager at Alaman Gas LPG Bottling Plant in Ajman, explains that high temperatures can cause gas to expand inside the cylinder, increasing pressure and the risk of leaks. 'Always keep cylinders in shaded, well-ventilated areas and away from direct sunlight or heat sources,' he said. 'And never store them in closed or poorly ventilated rooms, especially in summer.' He also mentioned the importance of regular leak checks. 'Use a soap solution to check for leaks, and always turn off the main valve when not using gas appliances.' Warning signs you should never ignore Auon said there are some clear red flags people must act on immediately: The smell of gas A hissing sound near gas pipes or appliances Dead plants near the gas source Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or having difficulty breathing Weak or flickering flames and unusual burner noises 'These are all signs something could be seriously wrong,' he said. 'If you notice any of these, leave the area and call emergency services right away.' Confined kitchens are a hidden danger Faisal El Mais, country manager of Arabian Unigaz, said that poor ventilation is one of the biggest risks in kitchens, especially small or crowded ones. 'Poisonous gases can build up quickly in confined spaces,' said El Mais. 'And if there's too much oxygen or LPG in the air, it can lead to sudden fires or explosions.' He also encourages residents to install gas leak detectors as an extra layer of protection. Why summer makes everything riskier Saleem Ikram, a safety engineer at a facility management company in Jebel Ali, explains that heat causes gas to expand. 'This puts stress on cylinder walls, valves, and joints,' he said. 'Especially if they are old or not maintained properly.' 'Don't leave gas stoves or grills unattended, and always switch off the regulator when you're done.' Key summer safety tips
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Residents urged to take precautions after gas leaks cause fires
After recent gas leakage fires were reported in Dubai, safety experts urged residents and restaurants to be extra cautious while handling LPG cylinders or central units at home or in kitchens. Experts warn that even a small gas leak, if left unnoticed, can turn dangerous, especially in closed or poorly ventilated spaces. Fires triggered by gas leaks have caused significant damage in the past, which has prompted reminders about best practices. Check your cylinder on delivery Residents who do have a central connection supply must do a few checks when they receive the cylinder, experts advised. 'When you receive a new gas cylinder, don't just place it in the kitchen right away,' said Mohamed Auon, general manager at Alaman Gas Bottling Plant in Ajman. 'Check for rust, dents, and the expiry date, and make sure the regulator is connected properly. It should always be placed upright, on a stable surface, and in a well-ventilated area.' Auon advises residents to do a quick leak test by applying a soap and water solution around the cylinder valve and hose connections. 'If you see bubbles, that means gas is leaking. Turn it off immediately and don't light anything,' he said. Replace hose and regulator Experts urged that rubber hoses should be replaced every two years and regulators every five years, or as per manufacturer guidelines. 'Wear and tear can happen quietly, and leaks may go unnoticed unless you inspect regularly,' Faisal El Mais, country manager at Arabian Unigaz. Storing cylinders? Ventilation is key Many residents store their LPG cylinders inside closed kitchen cabinets, but experts say that is not ideal. 'Cylinders can be stored on balconies if they are shielded from sunlight and rain. But storing them inside closed cabinets without proper ventilation increases the risk,' said Auon. 'Gas is heavier than air and will settle at the bottom if leaked, which can cause serious danger.' In fact, Dubai Civil Defence regulations already require central gas systems in all new buildings to reduce risks from individual gas cylinders. Signs you should never ignore Experts stressed that a gas smell, similar to rotten eggs, is a red flag. But there are other warning signs too. 'Listen for hissing sounds near your gas appliances. Watch out for unexplained headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If your flame is weak or flickering, that may also be a sign that something is wrong.' If you suspect a leak, don't try to find the source yourself. Open windows, turn off the cylinder, leave the premises, and call Civil Defence on 997 or your gas supplier. Summer heat adds more risk With UAE temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius in summer, keeping your LPG cylinder cool and away from sunlight is crucial. 'Never place a cylinder on a hot surface or near open flames, and turn off the valve when not in use,' said Auon. Restaurant kitchens need extra caution due to high gas usage. 'We advise restaurant operators to do daily leak checks using a soap solution, store only the required number of cylinders, and get their systems inspected every three months,' said Auon. He also recommends using 'No Smoking' signs near gas storage and installing gas detectors for added safety. 'A little care can prevent a big disaster,' said El Mais. 'Gas is safe when handled right. But one small mistake, like a loose connection or a cracked hose, can be enough to put lives at risk.'
