[News] After the explosion in Lo Barnechea: This is what to do when detecting a gas leak

[FNX Magokiler]

Regarding the causes of this tragedy, two hypotheses are being considered: one is that a gas balloon exploded, and the other is that gas was released from a leak and then a spark triggered the explosion. Given this shocking incident, several questions may arise in the po[CENSORED]tion, such as how safe are gas cylinders? How can a leak be prevented? How to detect it? And what to do in case it occurs? Inspector Patricio Montoya, hazmat (hazardous materials) advisor for the Santiago Fire Department (CBS), tells Emol that, indeed, two scenarios have to be put in place: a gas cylinder explosion and an explosion due to the release of gas. Regarding the first possibility, he explains that a balloon could explode for different reasons: "because the cylinder was perforated and had gas inside; due to a fall with great physical force; or due to an energy charge, such as a very large fire until that bursts". Despite this, he affirms that "a gas cylinder is very safe; a gas cylinder that fell from the second floor may not have happened to it at all." In the event of a fire, for example, he details that "the gas cylinders have a seal that breaks with the heat and a flame ignites, like a blowtorch, and it is like a 'controlled leak'." One of the biggest risks is the hose: They have an expiration date The expert points out that an explosion is much more likely to occur due to an uncontrolled gas leak, which is usually due to poor handling or installation. He clarifies that a leak from the smallest balloon (5 kilos) has the potential to cause a huge explosion with a shock wave. "This explosion today (in Lo Barnechea), with how big it was, if it had been a 15-kilo ball it would have been even bigger," he comments.

He says that "gas leaks are more normal than you think, explosions are more abnormal, but the Santiago Fire Department goes out every day to answer calls for gas leaks or possible gas leaks."

 

 

Among the reasons that could cause an uncontrolled gas leak, he mentions: "a key (to the kitchen, heating or heating) improperly closed", "an uncertified regulator", since those that are "have a valve that if it detects a leak, it will seal and block the passage of the gas". Another very frequent cause of leakage has to do with the poor condition of the hose that connects the cylinder with the appliance or the network. It could be "an uncertified, expired, broken gas hose or a hose that was connected to a gas cylinder that was not intended for use." In this regard, he comments that "there are people who put garden hoses" on the gas. He also emphasizes that "the hose, just like food, has an expiration date and is printed on it." Its duration is approximately 5 years. Another risk factor is that the installation was not carried out by an SEC-certified technician, but by a teacher or the homeowner himself. "This can lead to leaks in different parts of the gas circuit and pipes," he warns. When you feel the "smell of gas": Do not turn on the light or use the phone Faced with these risks, he emphasizes that the call to people is "to have hoses certified by the SEC, the installations carried out by a technician certified by the SEC and use certified regulators ". "I think that this is the great call: the gas hose must be checked constantly," he underlines. Additionally, when you finish using the kitchen, the heater or the stove, apart from turning off these devices, he recommends cutting off the gas flow. "If the heating is automatic, at night or when leaving the house, especially when going on vacation, leave the gas off," he says.

 

https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacional/2023/05/11/1094813/que-hacer-ante-fuga-gas.html