BSM spot check reveals dangerous modifications

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Vendors endangering public safety by using substandard, unapproved accessories for gas cylinders

The relevant authorities have come across a number of instances of vendors endangering public safety by using substandard and unapproved Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) accessories such as regulators and hoses at Ramadhan stalls, Borneo Bulletin reported.

One of the shocking discoveries that the relevant authorities made at Ramadhan stalls around the parking area of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday was a vendor that used a modified three-way connector to share gas from a LPG cylinder for its three cooking stoves. Others, meanwhile, were caught using high-pressure regulators that do not control the gas limit and using normal water hoses to connect to LPG cylinders, instead of approved LPG hoses.

In light of this, Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM) will be working with stall organisers such as the Municipal Board or the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to conduct talks on LPG safety for all stall vendors, according to Hj Mohd Sufri Hj Sulaiman, the Managing Director of BSM.

The first such talk will be held before the commencement of festive stalls for the upcoming birthday celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

At the end of the day, it is the public’s responsibility to use only approved accessories for their LPG cylinders, said Hj Mohd Sufri, noting that the common causes of fire as a result of gas-related incidences are leakages in hoses, stoves that were left unattended and using unapproved LPG regulators.

In this regard, Hj Mohd Sufri reminded home owners to educate their maids about LPG safety.

Awang Hairul Shahri, the Head of Operations of BSM, meanwhile, commenting on a recent fire incident at the Ramadhan stalls at the parking area of Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas, said: “The incident is still under investigation and BSM will (be releasing) further details. However, looking at the (current) info illation obtained from the incident, we believe that there was a leak in the regulator.”

A check was done on the cylinder and no leak was detected, he said, adding that it is believed that an unapproved hose had been used.

He also cautioned against the use of unapproved high pressure regulators as they “will release a lot of gas and cool the cylinder faster than normal”. This could create icing around the cylinder that might weaken it and lead to a hairline crack, he warned.

With regards to fire safety at Ramadhan stalls in. Gadong, Awang Hairul Shahri pointed out that no fire extinguishers or fire blankets could be found at any of the stalls. In this regard, he hoped that vendors would get one.

Accompanying the Managing Director of BSM during yesterday’s spot check were personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, LPG suppliers and BSM.