Gas cylinders should be handled with care, LPG gas supplier Liquigas Malta warned yesterday after two people were hurt in a gas leak explosion at their home in Mqabba.

A 77-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman were rushed to hospital following the explosion.

The man was found to be in a critical condition and the woman was injured slightly.

Contacted by the Times of Malta for safety tips on the use of gas cylinders, a Liquigas Malta spokesman said cylinders should be handled with care to ensure that the valve is not damaged.

A blown-out window at the scene. Photos: Chris Sant Fournier

“Cylinders should always be used in the upright position. Ideally empty cylinders should be returned. It’s important to ensure that there is an adequate supply of fresh air in the room where the gas-powered appliance is used. If a room has ventilators or grilles, ensure that they are open,” the spokesman said.

Cylinders should ideally be changed outside, but when done indoors, it should only be away from any sources of ignition.

The easiest way to check for a leak between the regulator and gas cylinder is by putting soap and water on the joint. The formation of soap bubbles indicates a gas leak.

The spokesman said that if a leak is suspected, the gas should immediately be turned off, the regulator removed and the room ventilated.

“A technician should be contacted to examine the gas installation and appliance immediately. Liquigas offers a 24-hour seven-day-a-week emergency helpline on 2165 1661 (2, 3, 4, 5) to assist its clients in emergency cases,” the spokesman said.

Gas installations, including the regulator, hoses and appliance should be checked at least once a year by a qualified person. Any parts showing signs of wear should be replaced. “It is also very important that users do not modify their gas appliances. LPG is marked by a special odorant so that any leak can be easily detected,” the spokesman advised.

The spokesman explained that the regulators are set precisely by the manufacturer to control the pressure of the supply, and should not be adjusted privately.

The hose connecting the gas cylinder to the appliance should be inspected from time to time.

The normal service life of such hoses should not be beyond five years.