What are the new safety check guidelines for domestic LPG consumers?

When dealing with LPG gas cylinders from Private Gas Agencies, consumer safety remains the top priority. Whether it is for private gas agencies or government gas dealers, it is essential to take the right precautions to avoid any fire hazards and accidents.  The Government of India has launched a nationwide campaign through its oil marketing companies (OMCs) to reinforce safety measures surrounding domestic LPG usage. At present, there are over 32 crore households in the country purchasing LPG cylinders from both public and private gas companies. This large number has made it more essential to take safety measures.

This new initiative is about conducting inspections to avoid leakages. It also focuses on educating consumers so they maintain the safety compliance mandatory in households. In this article, we are sharing a comprehensive view of the guidelines and their importance:

Key Safety Check Goals by Private Gas Agencies

The primary objective of this initiative still remains the prevention of accidents associated with domestic LPG cylinders. As a part of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna, LPG remains one of the most common and accessible sources of cleaner energy in Indian homes. However, the flammable nature of this gas requires safety considerations. 

The objective of this campaign is: 

• Conducting regular inspections for consumer safety.
• Detecting and fixing potential leakage points in gas cylinders.
• Educating consumers in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas on how to handle LPG.
• Supporting claims under third-party insurance in the case of an accident.

Who is Responsible for the Safety Check in Private Gas Agencies?

Government officials do the safety check procedure for both public and private gas agencies. These individuals will visit homes when they deliver LPG cylinders or during dedicated inspection schedules. And for accountability and transparency, these representatives will carry tamper-proof photo identity cards and authorization documents. To avoid any fraudulent activities, consumers are advised to deny access to anyone lacking proper identification.

What do inspectors check at Private Gas Agencies?

During a safety inspection, the delivery personnel look into different factors, including: 

Condition of the Suraksha Hose: For most households, there is an orange-colored color hose connecting the cylinder to the stove. The mechanics check whether there are any cracks or damage. If found defective, it needs to be replaced at a subsidized cost.

• Cylinder Positioning: How far the cylinder is placed from the burner is also important to avoid any hazards.
• Stove Placement: The stove should be in a place above the cylinder to prevent heat transmission to the cylinder.
• Regulator Type: Using unauthorized regulators may increase the risk potential. The mechanics check whether the regulator is approved by OMCs.
• Integrity of the O-ring: The rubber ring seals the connection between the regulator and the cylinder. So, it needs to be checked regularly for wear and tear.
• Leak Detection: Last but not least, the inspector thoroughly checks all equipment, including pipes, valves, and stoves, for gas leakage.

The Importance of Education and Awareness by Private Gas Agencies

As we have mentioned, the objective of the campaign is not just safety but also creating awareness and educating consumers. For rural and semi-urban areas, it is especially important to educate household members to use the LPG in the right way.

During each household visit, the consumer will receive guidance on:

• How to safely store and handle LPG cylinders
• Why should they regularly replace old regulators
• The basic dos and don’ts in case of gas leakage
• How to handle emergencies

What are the common causes of LPG-related accidents?

Negligence is one of the major reasons behind LPG-related accidents. Let’s take a look at common causes that lead to fire hazards when using LPG gas cylinders:

• Not replacing the gas hose regularly eventually leads to wear and leakage.
• Pilferage or tampering with the cylinder seal.
• Using non-standard or expired accessories.
• Transferring LPG from domestic to commercial cylinders.
• Not storing or handling the cylinder properly.
• Faulty O-rings or loose regulator connections.
• Exposing the cylinder to extreme heat from nearby fires which can lead to an explosion.

Steps taken to build awareness

To build awareness, the OMCs are launching a multi-platform publicity campaign. Consumers will receive updates and alerts via:

• SMS to registered mobile numbers.
• Information printed on LPG bills.
• Updates on official websites.
• Posters and leaflets are distributed at delivery points.

The invoices will also carry contact details of complaint cells and appellate authorities for the redressal of consumer grievances.

You may also like: Must-Know Safety and Maintenance Tips When Buying Domestic LPG Cylinders

Insurance Coverage for LPG Consumers

Did you know that both public and private gas agencies offer insurance for registered consumers? As per the ‘Public Liability Policy for Oil Industries’, OMCs offer monetary relief for accidents. However, the primary cause of the fire must be LPG, not for scenarios where LPG cylinders are engulfed in fire leading to an explosion.

Here’s a glimpse of insurance coverage:

• Personal accident coverage of Rs 6 lakh per person in the event of death.
• Medical expense coverage of Rs 30 lakh per incident, with a cap of Rs 2 lakh per individual.
• Property damage compensation of up to Rs 2 lakh per event at the registered address.

Final Thoughts

The government’s new safety check initiative for domestic LPG users is a significant step towards protecting lives and property. As the number of users is expected to grow in the coming years, it is essential to educate consumers and build awareness. This new initiative is not just to check cylinders but as a means of building a strong regulatory framework. To support this campaign, both public and private gas agencies are actively taking part in taking a step toward a safe and sustainable India.

FAQs

Q.1. Will I be charged for the safety inspection?

The safety check itself is free. However, if a part like the gas hose needs replacement, you may need to pay the price.

Q.2. What do I do if the person who came for the visit seems like a fraud?

If you are suspicious, do not allow entry and immediately report the incident to your LPG distributor. You can also use the complaint cell number printed on your invoice.

Q.3. How will I know when the safety check is scheduled?

OMCs will notify consumers via SMS, LPG bills, official websites, posters, and leaflets. Make sure your mobile number is registered with your gas agency.

Q.4. Are these safety inspections applicable to both public and private gas agencies?

Yes, the safety check campaign applies to all households, whether you own an LPG cylinder from public or private gas agencies.