LPG gas leak leaves Doveton woman in hospital

Jun 15, 2024

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is reminding Victorians to ensure they check their LPG cylinder connections and only use hoses and fittings provided with approved appliances after a Doveton woman suffered severe burns.

The incident, which involved a gas ring burner, also prompted a warning to never use portable gas appliances – which are designed for outdoors use – indoors.

The gas leak occurred inside a shed at a Kidds Road property just after 6pm on Sunday, 19 February with the 64-year-old woman taken to The Alfred hospital in a critical condition.

The incident has prompted a reminder from ESV that those using a gas appliance or LPG bottle need to check gas connections before use to prevent these incidents from occurring.

Those using gas appliances are also reminded to ensure all parts and hoses are compatible with the appliance to avoid these kinds of incidents.

ESV’s Know the Drill Before You Grill campaign calls for LPG cylinder users to avoid any risk by checking connections before igniting any gas barbecue.

This involves connecting the cylinder and appliance, turning the gas on, and squirting soapy water on the connections.

If no bubbles appear, it’s safe to cook. If bubbles appear, turn off the gas immediately and re-check the hose and connections to make sure they are tight. If bubbles continue to appear, turn the gas off and have the connection replaced.

ESV chief executive Leanne Hughson said the tragic incident could have been avoided if the very simple step of checking the connection is safe by applying soapy water, had been followed.

Ms Hughson also advised the community to always use compatible gas connections.

“ESV’s thoughts are with the woman and her family during this difficult time,” Ms Hughson said.

“Unfortunately, it takes an incident like this to remind the community about a simple, but essential, safety tip that will protect lives and property.”

ESV has also led the introduction of new Australian Standards, resulting in new barbecue connections and cylinder valves that will not leak gas when not connected properly – even if the cylinder has been left on.

If the hose connection has been disconnected or the cylinder valve has been left open, gas will not flow, reducing the risk of an explosion or fire. The new LCC27 barbecue connection also features a thermal cut-off, which stops gas from flowing if there is a fire at the cylinder connection.

The rubber seal inside the new valve is also protected from exposure so it is less likely to deteriorate and need replacing. It can be checked when the cylinder is being refilled. Importantly, new LCC27 barbecue connections are only compatible with the corresponding new cylinder connection.

The safest thing to do, when using a barbecue with the new connection but an older cylinder, is to swap the old cylinder for one featuring the new connection at a local hardware store or service station.