The above news items and similar such news items earlier always raised so many questions in me. A few of them are,
Whether the cylinder exploded (as per the title of the news item)
However, as per the news item mentioned below the title, it is understood that the cylinder did not explode but it is the leaked gas that exploded.
- Similarly, sometimes reports appear as gas stove explosion. This also gives impression that the stove (burners) exploded. But mostly it is the leaked gas explosion.
The reaction of the persons for arresting the leak is another question in my mind.
We can't blame the persons who have put the cylinder in a water tub in this case because of their knowledge / awareness. However, it is better if the gas cylinder suppliers put stickers on the cylinder containing information like, what to do in case of gas leak / leak and fire; whom to contact; the emergency contact numbers, what checks are to be done by the receiver i) when the cylinder is received (this is normally done by the supplier / delivery boy in some occasions) and also ii) during regular use; the cylinder test date and due date for next testing by the company; instructions for the user to inform with contact numbers if receives a cylinder after expiry date / damaged condition of the cylinder,etc. Normally, this type of information is provided on the industrial gas cylinders and similar information with more details should be made available to the domestic users.
Eariler a few years ago, when I was in my office, I received a call that outside our organization a lorry (truck) with gas cylinders was stopped because of gas leak. My self with a colleague visited the spot and found that all gas cylinders were unloaded onto the road side and also observed some white powder on a few cylinders. On enquiry with the driver of the lorry, we found that as a precautionary measure, he used the portable fire extinguisher in the lorry. This also shows the poor knowledge of the drivers of hazardous chemicals. Though he will get licence for hazardous chemical transportation and will be renewed every year, the employers should ensure that all their staff get required training and retrained again and again. Without training, they should not be engaged in transportation at all. Sometimes, the material brought by the driver will be different from what is mentioned on HAZCHEM information on the containers. The trained driver will ensure that correct HAZCHEM stickers are displayed on the container and this will help the others on the road also, if the driver is not in a position to take proper measures. In the drivers cabin also, the tools and personal protective equipment list and location should be displayed prominently for the same reason.
Normally, the procedure in case of gas leak is take the lorry to a less inhabitated / less crowded place atleast and cordon the area by atleast 300 m around, simulatneously inform the police and their employer and wait for instructions. In case of gas leak of a domestic cylinder in a house, inform the supplier, take the cylinder outside in to a open area (not through lift), remove ignition sources in the nearby area to the extent possible and wait for the supplier to do the needful. In the news item reported above, it appears the cylinder was put in the water tub inside the house and may the confinement of the house lead to accumulation of gas and it is not able to disperse. The ignition source is obvious as it happened in the house that belongs to a goldsmith with shop in it. Goldsmith will have fire kiln or of such arranagement for making the ornaments. Moreover, the refill was delivered at about 1430 hours and the cylinder was handled soon for replacement as per the news item. This shows that it happened during the working hours of the gold smith shop.
Had the cylinder was put in a water tub or covered with wet blanket / cloth outside, the leaked gas could have dispersed easily and cylinder will have cooling to prevent overpressurization in case of fire nearby.
The incident of gas leak happened in my house also once a few months ago. When I replaced the empty cylinder with a full cylinder and opened the regulator knob, I found gas leaking from the cylinder nozzle. I removed the knob and placed cylinder cap and it arrested the gas leak. I opened all windows ( I stay in an apartment) informed the supplier immediately about the leak. I could not get connection to the supplier as the phone line was busy (obvious as he will be getting calls for refill bookings). My wife went to the supplier's office located at about 3 - 4 km from my house. It took about 15 - 20 minutes to reach the office as the traffic was more on the roads and by the time we tried by phone and then informed personally, more than 45 minutes time elapsed. Then, the person came about 2 hours later, checked the cylinder nozzle and replaced the rubber gasket in it.
It may be routine call for the gas suppliers but the users will be under tremendous tension. In my case gas leaked only when connected and regulator knob is opened. If it is leaking even when the cylinder cap is not removed then imagine the plight of the people. Similarly if the leak occurs on a weekend or non-working hours of the gas supplier, then getting help is also very difficult.
Though emergency numbers are listed in the telephone directory, in emergency people will be panicky and may not remember what to do. Also, the the numbers in the directory may be old. Further, telephone directories are not published by all telephone companies. If the users are having only mobile phones, then they don't have any directory. Fortunately, now phone number 108 is available to contact in case help required when there is an emergency (fire/police/ambulance). But, how many people know this information is questionable. Only learned people with an eye on what is happening in their surroundings will know. Otherwise, there are many people who don't read news papers or look around billboards / stickers pasted at important places.
If this information and other important details as mentioned in the beginning of this article are displayed on the cylinder itself, it will be help for all the users. The information should be available in English, Hindi and the local language. Pasting of the sticker by the gas cylinder delivery agency should be made mandatory. If the agency is made responsible, then the sticker with instructions in local language along with English and Hindi can be ensured. The sticker may cost 2-3 rupees. But, this will definitely help the users. If stickers are not used and only pamphlets are distributed, users may lose them and utility can'g be guaranteed.
I will put some more information on this subject in my future posts.
