Malang, en.SERU.co.id – State energy company PT Pertamina has assured the public that LPG cylinders are subjected to multiple layers of safety testing before distribution and cannot explode on their own.
Section Head of Communication and Relations for Pertamina Patra Niaga in the Jatimbalinus region (East Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara), Taufiq Kurniawan, stressed on Wednesday (21 February 2024) that spontaneous explosions are “logically impossible.”
“Before reaching consumers, LPG cylinders are designed specifically and undergo repeated quality control, leak tests, and other examinations. As a result, they do not leak or explode by themselves,” Taufiq said.
He said recent fires in Klojen District, Malang, and similar incidents elsewhere were most likely caused by external factors, particularly non-standard or damaged regulators.
“The regulator may be torn or not compliant with Indonesian National Standards (SNI), allowing gas to escape. When leaked gas comes into contact with a fire source or oxygen, it can trigger an explosion or fire,” he explained.
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Taufiq described the classic “fire triangle” — heat, fuel, and oxygen — as the reason behind the incidents. “The fire usually starts outside the cylinder and eventually spreads to it,” he added.
To prevent future accidents, Pertamina is urging households to follow strict safety procedures when using LPG cylinders.
Key recommendations include:
- Placing cylinders in well-ventilated open spaces.
- Always using regulators that meet SNI standards.
- Installing an odor indicator on the regulator so any gas leak can be detected immediately by smell.
“If you smell gas, stay calm, move the cylinder outside immediately, and keep it away from any heat sources or open flames. Do not panic, and avoid bringing it near ignition sources,” Taufiq advised.
The company hopes these simple precautions will stop similar tragedies and protect the public from preventable LPG-related fires. (wul/ono)
