The Inspector-General of Police Martins Okoth Ochola has directed the Directorate of fire and rescue services, working closely with the energy ministry, to roll out the precautions to the public on the use of gas for both domestic and commercial use. 

This follows the deadly incident of a gas explosion that happened in Mbarara on November 30, killing two people and injuring seven others.

The incident happened at a scrap workshop where workers attempted to cut open a gas cylinder which instead exploded. 

Another incident of a gas explosion that happened recently was at Sunjor supermarket in Seeta where two people died. 

Police indicated that the big threats of gas explosions usually arise from leakages, cracks, blockage of pipes as well as the use of expired cylinders.  

“We noticed that people who are doing a lot of welding are not even aware that gas cylinders expire after five years,” Enanga said. 

Since there is an increase in scrap business and use of gas among young families mainly for cooking, Police issued the following safety precautions. 

Ensure gas cylinders are kept aware from ignition sources and other flammable materials. 

Keep cylinders in upright position to avoid leakages.  

Do not turn on electrical appliances if you smell gas inside the house. 

Gas cylinders of 10kg and above should be placed outside the house, with periodic checks and leakage. 

Don’t shake the cylinder when checking for the level of gas. Instead, you are advised to pour water and when it dries up it will indicate the level of the cylinder. 

If you can afford it, buy a fire blanket that absorbs the oxygen when a fire starts and use wet towels in case a cooker has caught fire.