Every festival season, the Fire and Rescue Services, oil companies and gas distributors are on their toes, hoping that LPG leaks or fires do not break out. In their hurry to finish making sweets and savouries, many women move the stove to the ground as it is more convenient to work sitting rather than stand long hours.
“The stove should always be kept at a level higher than the cylinder. Otherwise, when there is a leak, gas will spread on the floor – since gas is denser than air—and the stove’s flame could lead to a fire,” an official of Indian Oil Corporation said . The heat of the stove could also affect the LPG, leading to a cylinder blast. “If people must place cylinders at a lower level, they should use longer hoses and cover the cylinder with a wet gunny bag or place it inside a tub of water,” he explained.
Gas agencies warn and sometimes, block consumers who are found to place stoves at ground level. But, homemakers continue to do so. “This year, I made around 10 kg of mixture, ribbon pakoda and sweets for guests. I was in the kitchen all day, so placing the stove on a low-level table was more convenient,” said L. Seetha, a resident of Mandaveli.
