Be careful with gas cylinders

Ignorance is bliss, but not in all cases. Too often we take things for granted and at times the results can be disastrous because we do not take the initiative to learn the safety precautions.

Cooking gas cylinders are a part of everybody's lives in the kitchen, but we must learn to exercise caution not just when we use them, but also when they are purchased from the distributors.

Even as more users are moving to electric gas cookers and piped gas supply, almost 85 per cent of households in Dubai still rely on gas cylinders for cooking. This makes it important for us to ensure that they are well within their expiry dates and are in good condition.

Safety regulations issued by Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (Esma) were issued last year and have come into effect this year for this purpose. The safety procedures range from cover manufacturing, filling and refilling of cylinders, handling and safety. All we need to show is awareness and responsibility.