THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, MALAYSIA

BangunanIngenieur, Lots 60 & 62, Jalan 52/4, P.O. Box 223, Jalan Sultan, 46720Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-79684001/4002 Fax: 03-79577678 E-mail: sec@iem.org.my
Web Portal: http://www.myiem.org.my

19 April 2017

GAS APPLIANCES SAFETY

The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) is concerns with incidents of gas

leakages and explosion in Malaysia. It can be presumed that almost every house in Malaysia
would have at least one stove. The vast majority of these would be using LPG (liquefied
petroleum gas). The LPG would be usually be from small, portable gas cylinders. In some
condominium and housing developments in the Klang Valley, piped in natural gas (NG) is
available. Some of the piping of LPG, were sourced from a central bulk tank. The risk of fire
and explosion of both gas cylinder and gas piping can be managed when the proper
equipment is used and well maintained.

Any occurrence of gas explosion and fires would usually attract media attention. And
in some those cases, it is unfortunate to have resulted in loss of life or injury. The usual
question would be, is there sufficient legislation to ensure the safe use of the gas stoves?
IEM is in the opinion that there are ample regulations and standards governing the standard
for the LPG, NG and gas stoves in Malaysia (Refer Table 1)

There are standards for the LPG cylinders construction. The connection outlet for the
cylinders is a standard type throughout the country. The pressure regulator to be attached on
the cylinders and hoses have their own standards. There is also standard gas parameters that
the various gas supplier have to have consistent burning value. Having standard cylinder
connection allow consumers to switch gas supplier without the need to change their
regulators. Therefore the myth that gas from a particular company burn cleaner while other
gives yellow flames are due to the reasons of the right gas to air ratio in the gas cooker.

Piped in installation have several standards governing the installation and tests
needed. The bulk LPG tank in residential or commercial premises have to have certain safe
distances. The engineer’s design are reviewed by the Department of Occupational Safety and
Health (DOSH) for tank and pipe line safety, and the Fire Department would ensure the
firefighting features are provided. The Energy Commission and local council would assess
the tank and supply layout meets the Malaysian standards in their approval process.

Whether the gas is LPG or NG, our regulations require the gas to be odorized. The
rotten eggs like smell is an indicator of any leak. Upon smelling it, the gas source should be
shutoff and powered electrical devices turned off. Doing the latter is to prevent electrical
sparks from setting the gas on fire or causing an explosion.

Detecting a gas leak by smell is simple in a small home. In a mall, this could be a
challenge as pipes could travel through spaces where usually nobody is present. As such, a
proper design would be to route the gas pipe in a well ventilated area. And to address the
possibility of gas leak into an unoccupied kitchen, the Malaysian standard is being revised to
require the installation of gas detectors. This is considering several restaurants in a mall could
have a shared gas supply and it may not be practical to shut the main supply when and outlet
is closed and other adjacent unit is operating. Several food courts in prominent malls have
already installed the gas detectors in anticipation of the new standards.

IEM would like to highlight that there are standards for domestic and commercial gas
cooking appliances. The reason there are different standards for domestic and commercial gas
appliances is, because commercial cooking range uses a higher pressure range, are built to be
more robust and give higher cooking rates. Hence, domestic and commercial cooking range
should not be interchanged due to different operating pressures. Users in condominium should
be caution on selecting their cooking appliances. Typical appliances are for LPG. A piped in
gas system could be either LPG or NG. As the gas properties are very different, these are not
interchangeable and would need the appliance manufacturer to provide a different nozzle type.
The residents should check with the Joint Management Body (JMB) before buying their gas
appliances.

While there are standard for gas cooking appliances, there is no mandatory testing for
such appliances. This is unlike electrical appliances, where every item to be sold on the local
market have to be type tested by SIRIM. The manufacturer then have to affix a SIRIM or
Energy Commission approved sticker. There could be imported gas appliances that may not
meet the Malaysian Standards. IEM would advocate that once the cooking appliance standard
is updated, there should be mandatory control and testing of these appliances.

The Regulations under the Gas Supply Act requires that domestic gas installation be
checked, tested and certified by the appropriate person every three years. Other gas
installations, which would be commercial kitchens in restaurants, malls and hawker centers to
be tested and certified every two years. In condominiums with centralized gas piping
systems, the JMB will have to make sure this is done. In commercial kitchens with
centralized systems, it would be the building owner who need to warrant the system is
inspected by a qualified gas pipe fitter or engineer. And not performing this inspection is an
offence.

However, what is a lacking is the maintenance requirements for single cylinder users.
The inspection would be left to the individual users. Some of the self-inspection that such
users could test and inspect are:
• Before a cylinder is used, inspect and check the condition of the cylinder. Pay
particular attention on the rubber seal inside the cylinder head (after the cap is
removed). The seal is important to prevent leak after the regulator is inserted.
• If necessary, apply a mild soap solution to the valve/regulator joint and hose. Do wash
it off thereafter.
• Place the cylinders and hose in a well ventilated area.
• There are gas company suggestion to replace the hoses and clips every two years. The
regulators should be replaced every five years.
• Conduct regular daily inspection of the regulator, hoses and cooking appliance.
Looking out for hissing sounds or gas odor.
• Avoid over boiling from pots. Spill soup or gravy can get into or block the gas flame
holes.
• The cooking area should have well ventilation. But don’t have direct wind from
windows or fans, as a gust could blow out the flame.
• If the cooking flame is yellowish, it mean not enough air mixed with the gas. On the
contrary, when the flame seems being blow from the burner hole, there is too much
 air. Consult the appliance manual on how to make the air adjustments. Otherwise,
seek help from the gas supply delivery person.
• Shut the gas off at the regulator after cooking.

IEM is in the opinion that Malaysia have regulations and standards governing the standard for
the LPG, NG and gas stoves in Malaysia. However, there is a need for enforcement and
implementation of the testing of gas cooking appliances, and inspection of domestic gas
installation by a qualified person. It is also important to promote the proper usage and safety
awareness among the user of the gas appliances.

IEM is willing and ready to provide the technical expertise and independent advice to
authorities in reviewing the guidelines, regulations and standards for gas installation
and appliances.

Ir. Tan Yean Chin

President
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia

Table 1 : Regulations and Malaysian Standards governing the standard for the LPG,
NG and gas stoves
Regulations and Malaysian Standards governing the standard for the LPG, NG and gas
stoves
Act 501 Gas Supply Act
Act 302 Petroleum (Safety Measure) Act
MS 1535: Part 1 Domestic gas cooking appliances for use with liquefied gases: Part 1:
Specification
MS 1535: Part 2 Domestic gas cooking appliances for use with liquefied gases: Part 2:
General construction
MS 1535: Part 3 Domestic gas cooking appliances for use with liquefied gases: Part 1:
Test methods
MS 1996 Commercial gas cooking appliances for use with liquefied petroleum
gases
MS 830 Code of practice for the storage, handling and transportation of
liquefied petroleum gases.
MS 930 Code of practice for the installation of fuel gas piping systems and
appliances.
MS 831 Specification for valves for use with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
cylinders.
MS ISO 22991 Gas cylinders – Transportable refillable welded steel cylinders for
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) - Design and construction
MS 1165 Specification for pressure regulators and automatic changeover
devices for liquefied petroleum gases
MS ISO 11759 Rubber hoses and hose assemblies for dispensing liquefied petroleum
gases (LPGs) – Specification
MS 158 Specification for liquefied petroleum gases (LPG)
 For further information on this Press Release or
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia, kindly call the IEM Secretariat Office
at 03-7968 4001/ fax to 03-7957 7678 or email to sec@iem.org.my.

About the IEM

The Institution of Engineers of Malaysia (IEM) is a civil society organisation established to promote
the science and profession of engineering in any of its disciplines and to facilitate the exchange of
information and ideas related to engineering. Founded in 1959 and with a membership of over
40,000 today, IEM constitutes one of the largest professional organisations in the country. Amongst
its many roles, the Institution plays an active part in supporting various sustainable socio-economic
development of the country and in nation building. It represents the aspirations of its members, acts
in the best interests of the public of whom its members serve whilst upholding the standing and image
of the profession.