IT is very tragic that the death toll in Pakistan has been quite alarming over the years due to the use of faulty domestic gas heaters mostly in bed rooms etc. It is disappointing to note that the safety standards with regard to the manufacturing of room gas heaters are totally compromised and in the event of a Gas leak no safety feature has been incorporated in the room domestic gas heater which must shut off the supply of gas (Solenoid valve) and this can save many precious human lives.
Due to the poor economic conditions in Pakistan the number of persons in the room are more than the permitted number and it has surfaced in news items that due to the Domestic Gas leak the entire family consisting of 6 persons or more found dead due to the inhalation of carbon monoxide. In the winters, people shut the doors to prevent an ingress of fresh cold air and they forget to turn off the domestic gas handle which if leaking causes the Carbon Dioxide to turn into Carbon Monoxide since the people sleeping in the bed room inhale Carbon Monoxide. By taking following measures, the damage can be minimised.
Minimum bed room size: The international residential building code requires to be minimum of 70 Square feet with no one dimension being less than 7 feet. This Bed room is intended for a single occupant. It may be mentioned that if there is heavy concentration of Carbon Monoxide it can kill people less than 5 minutes. Education and awareness: A rigorous awareness campaign is required through the print media, Electronic media, Through Radio FM service in all the local languages of Pakistan including in Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi/Brohi etc as the majority of the population is illiterate moreover Domestic Gas professionals must pay visits to schools, colleges, universities, community centres to educate the masses as to the correct use of domestic gas heaters.
Regular maintenance: All those using the domestic gas heaters must arrange for gas heaters to undergo regular inspection of gas heaters and all the supply and shut off valves etc. Moreover qualified gas technicians must check for the gas leaks while inspecting any house to cover all the areas wherever the domestic gas is being used like kitchen, all bed rooms, drawing/dining room, drawing room, sitting lounges etc.
Use of gas detectors: Gas detectors should be installed at homes to alert the residents towards the presence of gas leaks. This can provide an early warning and thus it can save precious human lives.
Proper ventilation: We must all ensure proper ventilation in kitchen and all those areas where Gas appliances are being used. A good air flow can help disperse any leaked gas.
Emergency response training: It is important that every member of the house receives emergency response training so that in the event of a gas leak can respond immediately and promptly by turning off the gas supply first and then opening the windows and to evacuate if necessary.
Regulatory measures by Government of Pakistan: Government of Pakistan must strengthen and enforce regulations related to gas safety standards to comply with international safety standards to incorporate safety solenoid valves in any gas appliances like gas room heaters, gas geysers, kitchen gas appliances like cooking range etc. government of Pakistan must hold the manufacturers and the gas service providers fully accountable under the stingiest international safety gas standards.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
views expressed are writer’s own.
