7 principles for safe gas stove use

The cause of the restaurant explosion in Nghe An has been revealed.

(Baonghean.vn) - Witnesses described the explosion as "like a bomb," while authorities initially believe the cause may have been an industrial gas cylinder used in the hotpot and barbecue restaurant.

1. Install the kitchen according to safety standards.

When installing and using a gas stove, users need to check the following basic criteria:

The kitchen should be located in a well-ventilated area, but avoid direct drafts.

The surface on which to place the gas stove should be made of stone, cement, glass, etc., and should not be made of wood because it is easily flammable.

Gas stoves should be installed at least 1 meter from the ceiling, at least 15 cm from walls or other obstructions, and away from flammable or explosive materials.

The gas cylinder should be placed upright and lower than the gas stove, inside a kitchen cabinet that allows for good ventilation (so that any gas leaks can be detected immediately). The gas cylinder should also be kept at least 1.5 meters away from the stove and electrical sources.

Ensure the cables are brand new, without any cracks, breaks, or kinks during installation.

When connecting the gas cylinder to the stove, test the flame by turning it on, then turn it off properly to check if the valve is airtight.

2. Choose a reputable and safe gas cylinder.

Typically, a standard gas cylinder will have the brand name embossed on its surface. Inside, there is a confirmation mark; the gas cylinder body is stamped using a steel mold; the cylinder undergoes inspection and pressure testing… before it can be filled with gas and sold on the market.

With a counterfeit gas cylinder, the embossed lettering of the genuine gas company will be stamped off, or even burned, the valve removed, the base replaced, and then welded back on… to erase all traces of the genuine cylinder, replacing it with the name of another company.

Here's how to choose a safe gas cylinder: select cylinders supplied by reputable and well-known gas companies; be wary of cylinders of unknown origin from illegal gas refilling facilities. Choose cylinders that are intact, free from dents and rust, and with a fresh coat of paint.

If using a mini gas stove, when changing gas cylinders, you need to carefully check the expiration date, manufacturer, and whether it has been inspected to ensure safety during use.

3. Clean the kitchen regularly.

This not only helps keep the cooking space clean and prevents the spread of bacteria, but also increases the durability and safety of the stove during use.

Regular cleaning helps prevent gas stoves from rusting and becoming damaged. This ensures the ignition system functions properly, guaranteeing safety.

Therefore, if your gas stove is too old and rusty, replace it with a new one to make cooking more convenient and safer for your home.

4. Do not open the gas valve too many times; always close the valve when not in use.

When using a gas stove, turn the knob only one or two turns to turn it on; do not turn it too much. After cooking, when you no longer need to use the stove, in addition to turning it off, immediately close the gas valve to avoid forgetting and causing unfortunate accidents.

5. Always be nearby when the stove is in use.

Gas stoves aren't always reliable, and to avoid unexpected hazards such as food spilling and extinguishing the flame, wind blowing out the flame, or flammable objects suddenly flying into the stove, it's necessary to stand next to the stove and observe it throughout the cooking process.

In the event of a worst-case scenario, the most dangerous being a fire, timely response is possible to prevent regrettable damage.

6. Use a gas stove base made of non-flammable material.

This is a very important principle: the gas stove base should not be made of flammable materials, nor should the decorative details be made of flammable materials. The reason is that during cooking, the stove flame can come into contact with these materials.

If the materials are flammable, the risk of ignition and explosion is very high, and if the fire is not extinguished promptly, the consequences can be even more devastating. Therefore, if you are currently placing a gas stove on a wooden table, remove it immediately to avoid potential hazards.

7. Conduct regular kitchen safety inspections.

To ensure the entire gas stove is in the safest condition for use:Inspect the stove, gas cylinder, gas hose, and shut-off valve every 6 months to 1 year.Replace the gas pipes every 2-3 years, and the pressure regulator every 5 years.

If your stove shows signs of rust but is still functioning properly, pay close attention to the rusty areas, especially near the ignition system and burners, as this can easily cause gas leaks and ignite the rust.

You should replace your gas stove when it's too old.Do not use gas cylinders that are too old, especially those showing signs of rust.

*If you smell gas, it means there's a gas leak, and you must immediately take the following steps:

Step 1:Quickly close the valve on the gas cylinder and isolate the area where the gas is leaking.

Step 2:Avoid any actions that could generate sparks, such as switching on lights or circuit breakers, and leaving any switches or plugs of electrical appliances (such as lamps, fans, or rice cookers) in the same state. Warn people who are smoking or burning incense to avoid the area where the gas is leaking. Turn off all heat sources and stoves in the surrounding area.

Step 3:Open windows and doors. Use a hand fan to ventilate the area where the gas leak occurred in order to reduce the concentration of gas vapors in the air.

Step 4:Find gas leaks using soapy water (rub soapy water around the gas cylinder, hoses, etc.; wherever bubbles appear, there is a gas leak).

Step 5:If a gas cylinder leaks, after closing the valve at the top of the cylinder, remove the pressure regulator from the cylinder, move the leaking cylinder to a well-ventilated area, apply a bar of soap to the leak, then wrap the leak with a rubber band, and call the store or dealer to exchange it for a new cylinder. If the hose or pressure regulator is leaking, replace it with a new one.

Attention:If the stove goes out while you're cooking and you smell gas, absolutely do not turn the stove back on. Quickly close the valve on the gas cylinder and handle it as if it were a gas leak. Only turn the stove back on when there is no longer a gas smell in the kitchen area.