Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) compressed and piped natural gas (CNG, PNG) are used for domestic and commercial purposes. Both are odourless gases and ethyl mercaptan is added to give a smell of rotten eggs when there is a gas leakage.
To check for leakage apply a frothy soap lather near the regulator, connecting tube and knobs of the gas stove. If the bubbles start popping then there is a leakage.
When we are asleep or away and a leakage develops then we would be caught unaware. For this purpose leak detectors with in-built sensors are available.
The alarm can be set at 20% of explosive limit and if there is a leakage then a siren goes off and we can take remedial actions.
Restaurants and cafes are generally crowded and an explosion can cause a havoc. Hence, the Central and State governments should mandate installation of leak detectors before giving the food licence.
There should be annual checks by the food and drugs department if the detectors are maintained and working. Home users too should be encouraged to install the detectors for their safety.
