Gas explosions prompt safety alert from NT WorkSafe, in use of gas barbecues
GAS explosions in the last year have prompted NT WorkSafe to warn people to be mindful of using certain barbecues
Northern Territory
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TWO gas explosions in the last year have prompted NT WorkSafe to warn people to be mindful of using barbecues where the underside is built in and the gas is stored inside.
In the first incident, a young girl at a holiday apartment in Darwin received serious burns when a family member attempted to start a gas barbecue, igniting the LP gas that had built up in the compartment underneath.
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In the second incident, a worker using the barbecue facility at his workplace accommodation in Darwin received burns to approximately 30 per cent of his body after LP gas ignited when the worker started the barbecue.
An NT WorkSafe spokesman said in both incidents, the built-in barbecues were housed in poorly designed compartments with inadequate ventilation around the barbecue, gas cylinder and associated regulator and piping.
In the first incident the gas bottles were stored in an enclosed compartment under the barbecue appliance, with the ventilation points built near the top of the compartment.
LP gas had leaked and accumulated in the compartment.
In the second case the barbecue facility was enclosed by a 1m high brick wall, with exception of a small entry way. LP gas had leaked and accumulated in the barbecue area because of the brick wall.
The spokesman said the operators in both incidents did not check for gas leaks before starting the barbecues
NT WorkSafe is urging facility managers and commercial property owners with built-in LP gas barbecues to check the manufacturer’s built-in housing requirements to ensure ventilation, installation and operational requirements have been met.
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It is asking anyone who has a gas barbecue that has not been designed by the manufacturer to be installed as a built-in facility not to use it until it is checked by a licensed NT gasfitter. It also asks that signs are placed at a barbecue facility instructing users to check hose connections are secure, and there is no smell of gas.
NT WorkSafe is also reminding people not to transport gas cylinders in an enclosed vehicle, unless fitted with a gas cabinet. Contact NT WorkSafe on 1800 019 115 for further information.
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