Safety Literature
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People have been killed or injured in their homes using gas and paraffin portable heaters. These accidents can be avoided.
Accidents most frequently occur as a result of gas leaking when people are assembling appliances or changing cylinders or cartridges. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is butane or propane stored as a liquid under pressure. A small leak can produce a large volume of highly flammable gas. The gas is heavier than air so that it collects near the floor or ground and can be ignited at a considerable distance from the source of the leak. If escaping gas is ignited in a room or other space there may be a fire and an explosion.
Every year over 100 people die and nearly 1,000 are injured in their homes as a result of fires caused by heating appliances. Many of these fires involve portable heaters. This section gives advice concerning portable equipment; many of the principles also apply to permanent installations.
Any type of portable heater can start a fire if it is misused. Make sure you read and understand the manufacturer's instructions before using one.
ALWAYS
NEVER
LPG and paraffin portable heaters are an expensive way to heat rooms.
They also a major cause of condensation so be sure the window is open a little. Remember that every gallon of paraffin burnt produces 10 pints of water.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
Service Headquarters
Lime Grove Avenue
Carmarthen
Carmarthenshire
SA31 1SP
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