Special Seal of quality assurance for all new gas cylinders

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Committee appointed by the President to investigate gas explosions on Monday (6) said that a total of 458 such incidents had taken place from 1st January 2021 to 5th December 2021.

In a statement, the committee observed that 244 of these incidents relate to gas leaks.

The committee had noted that the absence of a distinctive smell to determine a possible gas leak was identified as a serious issue.

It added that the matter was discussed with the relevant companies and it was decided that the companies will take the necessary measures to include the Ethyl Mercaptan chemical to gas in the future.

The committee stated that with the inclusion of this chemical, consumers will be able to determine if there is a gas leak, due to the distinctive smell.

The committee had also requested the general public to refrain from using various methods to detect gas leaks.

The committee also noted that the second reason for these incidents was the use of inferior and expired regulators, valves, hoses, and clips as well as cookers.

It recommended that the general public only purchase such equipment with SLS standards, that also guarantee the safety,

The committee, however, said that it is still engaging in studies to determine if a change in the gas composition was a cause of gas explosions.

It added that as per a new mechanism of issuing gas to the public, every gas cylinder will contain a special seal that confirms a quality assurance by the Consumer Affairs Authority, Sri Lanka Standards Institute, Industrial Technology Institute, and the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board.