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Spring / Summer 2016 energysafe issue 45
13
Kicking safety goals in regional Victoria
By Sharon Rainsbury , Executive Manager Media and Communications
ESV staff were thrilled to be joined by four AFL champions during our recent Look before you cook regional barbecue safety events .
Western Bulldogs player Liam Picken joined us at Ballarat ’ s Bridge Mall on 18 November , North Melbourne best and fairest winner Robbie Tarrant helped us turn the snags in Bendigo ’ s Hargreaves Mall on 25 November , Hawthorn champion Isaac Smith travelled to Benalla on 2 December , while Brownlow Medallist and former Bulldog and Essendon player Adam Cooney joined our road trip to Traralgon on 16 December .
Thanks to CrocMedia ’ s Sports Day program for arranging for the players to join us .
On the road : ESV ’ s Tyler Mason shows North ’ s Robbie Tarrant ( far left ) how to check a gas barbecue for leaks in Bendigo , while Liam Picken ( above ) met Ballarat locals and posed for selfies .
Top recipe for a successful summer barbecue
By Tyler Mason , ESV Gas Engineer
As Summer heats up and we approach the Christmas and New Year holiday period , it ’ s a good time to think about safety with gas barbecues and also portable butane canister cookers that are popular with campers .
Poorly maintained gas barbecues can be dangerous .
Before you use your barbecue for the first time each summer season , it ’ s important to take the time to inspect the barbecue , its hose and connections thoroughly .
Rubber O-rings , bull noses and hoses can go missing or perish with use or UV exposure , which can lead to leaks .
After connecting your gas cylinder to the barbecue , and opening the gas valve , take a few seconds to check there are no gas leaks . You can do this easily by squirting or brushing soapy water over your hose connections .
Any leaks present will appear with bubbles forming at the connection . Pay particular attention to the left-hand thread connection between the gas cylinder and the regulator and hose assembly . This is the most common location for a leak – you need to make sure this is tight .
If you find a gas leak , immediately turn off the gas at the cylinder , disconnect the cylinder and check that the faces of the connecting components are clean . You should also check the condition of O-rings or rubber bull noses . If all is correct reconnect the gas cylinder to your barbeque and repeat the test .
If there is still a leak , which you cannot find or fix , stop using your barbeque immediately .
ESV has recently seen an increase in the use of lunchbox or canister-type butane cookers for camping , picnicking or caravanning .
It is very important to follow the manufacturer ’ s instructions and warnings supplied with these appliances .
Butane canisters are not designed for exposure to heat and may rupture . Do not place oversized pans on these appliances as you run the risk of overheating the gas canister , which may cause an explosion !
Remember to always store your spare gas cartridges away from cooking areas and out of direct sunlight .