Man Fights For Life After Gas Tank Explosion

Australia might still be feeling the chills of winter, but there's no bad time for a reminder about being safe around gas bottles and barbeques.

It comes as a Victorian man fights for life in hospital, after a gas cylinder explosion at Geelong last night. The man in his 20's suffered burns to his face, neck, chest, arms and legs.

Emergency crews say the bottle exploded after catching on fire.

The nights are already getting shorter and it'll soon be time to cook on our BBQ's again, so it would be wise to think about getting your gas bottles checked for compliance now. Here's some of the latest advice from the experts at Energy Safe:

• Only use LPG cylinders which have been tested within the last 10 years. The cylinder should be marked with the test date.
• Fill LPG cylinders at authorised filling stations staffed by trained personnel.
• Carefully read and comply with the connection instructions supplied with the LPG cylinder.
• Regularly check cylinder fittings are clean and tight. You can use soapy water to check for leaks – Look before you cook!
• Use a regulator between the LPG cylinder and the appliance being powered by the LP gas, unless the appliance is a portable type designed for high pressure gas.
• Turn the gas off at the cylinder if you suspect a leak.
• Only use LPG cylinders in well ventilated outdoor areas – never indoors. People die using LPG tanks indoors!
• Keep the LPG cylinder upright with its relief valves clear.
• Place the LPG cylinder on a firm level base of non-combustible material.

How to check for a leak:
Check the hose and regulator connections by spraying them with a soapy water solution such as common household detergent. Bubbles will form if gas is escaping. If in doubt, turn off the gas and contact a licensed gasfitter. Remember to leak-test the connection to the cylinder every time you connect it.

Have a safe weekend around the barbie!