The barbecue season is in full swing, but now the industry organisation Energigas Sverige is warning that pressure regulators are being sold that are not adapted for the type of gas available for purchase in Sweden.
There are two different types of regulators on the Swedish market, both of which are approved according to current EU regulations. However, only one of them is adapted for the type of gas, propane, that is sold in Sweden.
It is essential to check the label on your regulator, which should indicate that it is designed for a maximum pressure of 16 bar, says Mattias Hanson, head of the safety and technology department at Energigas Sverige.
Risks cracking
If the label shows a maximum pressure of 7.5 bar, the regulator is intended for butane gas and must not be used with the gas sold in Sweden, as it risks cracking and there is a risk of fire.
Butane gas is more common in southern Europe, which has a warmer climate. We do not have butane in our cylinders, as when the temperature is too cold, no gas comes out, says Mattias Hanson.
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, MSB, and Energigas Sverige have urged Swedish retailers to stop selling regulators for butane gas.
It is not possible to legally ban the sale of these products, as they are CE-marked – but for a type of gas that cannot be purchased in Sweden. Therefore, we are now urging the public to check their pressure regulators, for example, in boats, caravans, and barbecues, says Mattias Hanson.
Dark figure
In at least two instances, it has been confirmed that regulators constructed for butane have cracked due to excessive pressure.
But we have reason to believe that there is a dark figure, as many incidents have not been fully investigated, says Mattias Hanson.
Always store gas cylinders upright. This ensures that the safety valve functions.
Protect gas cylinders from high temperatures. Never store them under the grill during barbecuing or on glazed balconies where the temperature can reach up to 65 degrees.
Check that the hose is not too old. If cracks appear in the hose when it is bent, it should be replaced. A suitable replacement interval is three to five years.
Check that the rubber seal on the regulator is securely in place when replacing the gas cylinder, and that hoses and connections do not leak. Leak tests can be performed by applying a soap solution or special leak spray to couplings, valves, and hoses. If bubbles appear, the leak must be rectified.
Always turn off the valve. When the grill is not in use, the valve should be closed.
Source: Energigas Sverige
