Indoor gas heaters could face new regulations after fires

The Government may impose new regulations over the use of indoor LPG gas heaters.

Several incidents involving the gas cylinders and the appliances connected to them have triggered an inquiry by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma).

Top among them is the horror fire in Hastings that killed twins Hannah and Jesse MacDonald, where a portable heater in the lounge reportedly exploded into a fireball.

Their brother Johnathon escaped, as did their father Donald MacDonald, who received serious burns. An LPG gas cylinder was taken away for testing as part of an investigation by the Energy Safety Service.

The Erma inquiry, which is under way, will expand on that investigation to "take a broader perspective on the use of LPG cylinders".

It is acting under the Hazardous Substances and New Substances Act, which requires Erma to "inquire into any incident or emergency involving a hazardous substance or new organism".

It will investigate:

* Any common causes of the recent incidents, in particular the extent to which they were related to inadequate safety requirements or compliance with those requirements.

* Whether the issues are related specifically to indoor use of the cylinders.

* The risks and benefits of the different types of connections.

* Whether a new regulatory regime will address issues found by the inquiry.

After the Hastings blaze, Fire Service national fire safety director Jim Dance said gas heaters were responsible for a high proportion of fires.

"Wear and tear to hoses and connections is a source of concern to us," he said.

Mr Dance said leaks could easily catch fire and if cylinders were exposed to high temperatures they could explode.

But the grandfather of the twins, Napier MP Russell Fairbrother, said although the inquiry might be useful, Mr MacDonald was adamant the fire had started at an electrical socket, not the heater.

"Donald is positive he removed the heater to keep it away from the fire."

Heater safety

* Check the connections for cracks or leaks. A good test is to spread water and dishwashing liquid on the connections. If bubbles appear, LPG is leaking.

* Check heater equipment regularly and have it serviced every 12 months.

* Do not install or remove adapters to your cylinder as this could damage the valve mechanism and cause a high-pressure gas leakage.

Source: Energy Safety Service

- STAFF REPORTER, NZPA