Hazards of Household

Gas Cylinders

Bottled gas is a common source of

household energy in Saudi Arabia. It is
convenient and widely used for cooking
and heating. But bottled gas can be
dangerous, too. Gas leaks from regulators,
valves, piping, and fittings are ever-present
hazards and safety concerns in local
households. Therefore, being extremely
careful and following safety rules may
make the difference between safety and
tragedy–between life and death.

This booklet provides guidelines for

handling gas cylinders safely in order to
avoid tragic accidents caused by the misuse
of bottled gas.
Place gas cylinders in a shaded, well-ventilated area
out of direct sunlight.
Do not place flammable or combustible
materials–such as paint, wood, oil, paper,
or trash–near gas cylinders.
Never place a gas cylinder inside the kitchen near
the stove. Heat from the stove can raise the
temperature of the cylinder and cause the gas
pressure inside the cylinder to increase. This may
result in a gas release that could explode and burn
or injure someone.
Never store spare or empty gas cylinders inside
the house.
Use metal piping and fittings instead of
rubber hoses to connect a gas cylinder
to the stove.
Periodically check piping and fittings for
leaks, cracks, and other damage.
Make sure that the cylinder service valve is
closed before leaving your house for an
extended period.
Make sure your stove, piping, and fittings are
well-maintained.
If you smell gas in your home:

1. Don’t light matches or cigarettes.

2. Don’t use electric switches; disconnect the main

electricity supply to the house if the supply is
located outside.

3. Evacuate everyone and keep them out until the

gas has cleared.

4. Close the gas service valve tightly.

5. Ventilate rooms by opening the windows and

doors.
How to detect gas leaks from piping or
connections:

Mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent with

1 cup of water. Using a paintbrush, apply the
mixture to piping, fittings, and the regulator. If
bubbles appear, there is a gas leak. Turn off the
gas supply, and repair it immediately!
What to do if you have a fire caused
by a gas cylinder leak:

If the fire is small:

If possible, turn the gas service valve off.

(If the cylinder is hot, pour water on it to cool it
so you can turn the valve without burning
yourself.)
If the fire seems out of control:

1. Leave the house with all the members

of your family using your planned fire
evacuation route.

2. Call the Fire Department immediately

from a neighbor’s house.

3. Do not return to the house to salvage

money, documents, pets, or other
materials. It could be your last trip.

4. Know the number of the Fire

Department in your area. Keep this
number near the phone.
Gas Cylinder Connections

All gas cylinder valves, fittings, connections, and

piping should be made of stainless steel, brass, or
copper. Why?

Rubber becomes brittle, kinks, and cracks. Rubber

also cuts easily and is subject to breaking, upturing,
or leaking through weakened spots. Aluminum,
although a metal, is not suitable for use with liquid
petroleum gases because it can also rupture or leak.
A leaking gas connection can rapidly fill a home with
flammable gas. Any spark, such as that from a single
light switch or exhaust fan motor, can turn a home
into a raging inferno.

Stainless steel, brass, or copper valves, fittings,

connections, and piping are available at most
hardware, plumbing, and appliance shops Kingdom-
wide. However, rarely will you find these devices
preassembled and ready for installation. Individual
fittings, valves, connections, and lengths of piping
must be purchased separately and then assembled
using a tubing cutter, flaring tool, and wrench. If you
do not have the necessary skills and tools to assemble
these devices properly, let a reputable plumber or
contractor do this for you. As an added precaution,
always check these connections for leaks, no matter
who does the assembling. Never use a leaking gas
assembly.

The small extra cost of installing a stainless steel,

brass, or copper gas connection is a good investment
in your family’s safety.
Saudi Aramco Loss Prevention
2002