The explosion that occurred at the Bloed Street Mall in Pretoria on Tuesday 12th January which affected some food franchise outlets, caused damages estimated at R400 000 and injured 7 people has put the spotlight on the importance of safety when handling gas. A report by the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s Fire Brigade Department indicated that the gas escaped while a technician was working on a gas meter which was being removed to be replaced. It is suspected that the technician did not shut off the gas supply, or that he drained the line before removing the meter, causing gas to escape. The ignition source could not be identified. According to a report by BuaNews (www.buanews.gov.za), reported in Biz-community.com, the following shortcomings were identified:
- a lack of emergency shut-off valve for the gas where the gas pipe enters the building,
- the emergency shut-off valves at appliances were hidden behind the appliances and were not readily accessible.
- gas lines penetrating through the wall were not sleeved, as was required,
- the gas lines in the ceiling were of a lesser required thickness than the required thickness which is similar to steel – or preferably made of copper.
- the gas lines that goes through ceilings should be colour-coded, usually in dark brown so that, in the event of fire, the fire-fighters can identify which pipe contains gas and can secure it accordingly.
A warning to all franchises using gas to have their gas installation checked for safety compliance. |
