Recently, there have been a number of gas cylinder-related fires and explosions in Hanoi, mainly due to negligence. Many gas retailers and distributors sell dozens of tons of gas every month. However, their awareness and compliance with fire and explosion prevention regulations remain low, and illegal gas refilling is still widespread.
Some shops operate without proper certification to sell gas, and their products often lack clear origin or safety standards, posing serious risks to consumers. Many consumers also fail to recognize the danger of using gas of unknown origin and unintentionally support the sale of illegal gas.
In addition, users often neglect regular inspection of gas accessories such as pressure regulators and hoses. According to the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department, careless or uninformed gas use can lead to accidents at any time. Escaping gas can expand up to 250 times its volume in liquid form. If it comes into contact with a spark or high heat source, it can easily ignite or explode.
Even when gas concentration is below the combustion threshold, it can still pose a serious threat to human health by displacing oxygen in the air, leading to suffocation or, in more severe cases, gas poisoning.
To ensure safe and effective gas usage and to stay alert to fire and explosion risks, users must follow the instructions of manufacturers and relevant authorities, and regularly inspect their equipment before use. Authorities must also strictly monitor gas trading activities to prevent the circulation of unsafe, unregulated gas on the market.
(Nhan Dan, October 19)
