Followed by the unfortunate events that have recently happened in Sulaymaniyah and Duhok, a fear has risen among the community about the safety of the gas systems . The leading cause of these explosions were found to be from a leakage in the gas tanks. More specifically from a system that has been installed within these last few years, called LPG.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is an odorless, colorless liquid that rapidly turns into a gas at room temperature. To aid in finding leaks, an odorant is typically added to it.

LPG (either butane or propane), which is frequently used for process and space heating, cooking, and vehicular propulsion, is typically stored and supplied as a liquid. It has a high flammability rating.

LPG can leak as a liquid or a gas. If the liquid escapes, it will soon evaporate and create a sizable cloud of gas, which is heavier than the air and will fall to the earth. LPG vapors have a great range along the ground and can gather in basements or drains. The gas can burn or explode when it comes in contact with an ignition source. Cylinders, if caught up in fire, can burst and explode, causing even more damage than a fire, collapsing a whole building as it happened in a residential house in Sulaymaniyah, and a student dormitory in Duhok. In high quantities, LPG can serve as an asphyxiant and produce cold burns on the skin.

People now fear using these systems, however, if they’re used and installed in the right way, they can be safe to have. There are regulations that must be followed when installing such systems, to ensure they don’t act as a hazard on the occupants.

The quality of the tanks should be up to standard. The storage of gas is also very important. LPG must be kept in a sufficient area where vessels or cylinders are positioned appropriately in accordance with the applicable norms of practice.

The plant must be correctly installed and certified by qualified individuals in accordance with the necessary criteria for design. The plant must be equipped with sufficient safety and monitoring controls, and operated by qualified individuals. Any structural or other alterations that could have an impact on the gas installation must be reported to the gas supplier by the tenants. A suitable schedule of maintenance and testing by qualified individuals is required. The plant needs to be recognizable and reachable for upkeep. Records of inspections and tests must be maintained. And lastly, to prevent fire and explosion, precautions must be taken, by the occupants themselves as well.