02. Guidelines for correct use
Management classification of assets and equipment
Gas retail business
There are two categories of assets.
*Gas pipes in the customer's premises are the property of the customer. Please replace old gas pipes well in advance. Please clickherefor more information on how to request a gas pipe replacement.
Small-scale gas distribution business
There are two categories of equipment.
Supply equipment
Gas supply equipment is the section from the gas tank to the gas meter, which we are responsible for.
Consumption equipment
Consumption equipment is the section from the gas meter outlet to the gas appliances (or from the gas tank to the gas appliances if the gas is purchased in a tank). Customers are responsible for the safe use of these equipment.
Key points for safe use
When using gas appliances
Be sure to use LP gas appliances.
You cannot use city gas appliances.
We recommend the use of gas appliances with safety devices.
Certificate seal for LP gas appliances
Be sure to check visually whether the flame is on or off.
Do not place anything flammable near gas appliances.
During cooking, flame could be extinguished by wind or cooking over flow.
While you are frying food, the oil in the pan may get too hot. Never leave LP gas appliances unattended when in use.
Make sure that gas taps are fully opened when in use, that gas taps and appliance valves are fully closed when you finish cooking.
Handle gas taps and tank valves safely.
Put a cap on unused gas taps.
If you are away from home for a long period of time, close the tank valve and contact us.
Do not use pipes or gas taps as a grounding device.
Make sure that the color of the flame is blue.
When using LP gas, make sure that the color of the flame is always blue.
Reddish flame indicates incomplete combustion.
Pay attention to ventilation.
When using gas appliances indoors, turn on an exhaust fan or open a window occasionally to ensure adequate ventilation.
LP gas requires a lot of air to burn. Without adequate ventilation, there will be a lack of oxygen and the room will be filled with exhaust gas, causing incomplete combustion and harmful CO (carbon monoxide), which can be fatal.
Do not use compact water heaters for long periods of time.
Check rubber pipes occasionally and replace them well in advance.
Insert rubber pipes up to the red line on the gas tap, and fasten them securely with the hose band.
Do not lengthen rubber pipes, pass them behind objects, or bend them.
Never use a three-pronged pipe as it is dangerous.
Do not use rubber pipes that are cracked or damaged.
You can check for gas leakage from rubber pipes by applying soapy water and seeing if bubbles appear. (If bubbles appear, replace the rubber pipe immediately.) After inspection, wipe the pipe clean.
Maintenance - Regular maintenance is the basis of safety.
In order to use gas appliances safely, read the instruction manual carefully and take care of the appliances on a regular basis.
Compact gas water heaters
Check the top of the unit from time to time for dirt or blockages. A clogged heat exchanger can cause incomplete combustion.
Gas heating equipment
Make sure to clean clogged air filters on the back of FF (Forced Flue) type heaters and fan heaters.
Gas stoves
Clogged burners can cause incomplete combustion. Clean them occasionally with an appliance brush.
Cautions for gas appliances
Beware of CO poisoning
LP gas itself is not toxic. However, when incomplete combustion occurs, CO (carbon monoxide) is produced. CO is extremely toxic, but its physical properties are almost the same as those of air, and because it is colorless and odorless, its presence is almost unnoticeable.
| Symptoms of CO poisoning | |
|---|---|
| CO concentration | Inhalation time and poisoning symptoms |
| 0.01% | No noticeable symptoms even after several hours of breathing |
| 0.02% | Mild headache in 1.5 hours |
| 0.04〜0.05% | Headache, nausea and tinnitus in 1 hour |
| 0.08〜0.10% | Loss of consciousness in 1 to 1.5 hours |
| 0.15〜0.20% | Headache, nausea, and loss of consciousness in 0.5 to 1 hour |
| 0.40% or more | Inhalation for even a short period of time can be life-threatening. |
When using a combustion appliance with a chimney (exhaust pipe) indoors in airtight housing such as apartments and condominiums, do not turn on the exhaust fan while using a large water heater or bath water heater. The exhaust gas may flow backwards and cause CO poisoning. Also, birds may nest in the exhaust pipe and the nest may block the exhaust, causing incomplete combustion. Please make sure that the exhaust pipe is not broken or blocked by objects. If it is broken, please contact us immediately.
Important Notice
*1: Conventional Flue or Balanced Flue type bath water heater. The main body of the bath water heater is installed inside the bathroom, and the exhaust air is discharged to the outside by natural ventilation using an exhaust pipe.
*2: Forced Exhaust or Forced draft balanced Flue type water heater/bath water heater. The main unit is installed indoors, and an exhaust fan is installed in the exhaust pipe, which forces the exhaust out.
For users of open-type compact water heaters
Older compact water heaters are not equipped with an incomplete combustion prevention device. We recommend that you replace the old compact water heater with a new one that has the foresaid prevention device.
・Do not use water heaters for filling bath tubs or washing machines, or for showering.
・Contact us if the flame goes out while you are using the heater. Do not keep pushing the button to reignite it.
・ When using a compact water heater, be sure to turn on an exhaust fan or open a window. If there is not enough fresh air, incomplete combustion may occur.
For customers who use an indoor CF/BF type bath water heater
If you use an indoor bath water heater with an exhaust pipe, please check whether you can answer 'yes' to all questions.
(1) Is there no backflow from the the exhaust pipe?
(2) Is there no bird's nest blocking the exhaust?
(3) Is the end of the exhaust pipe outside?
(4) Is there nothing to block the air intake?
Customers using CF/BF type water heaters
Please check whether you can answer 'yes' to all questions.
(1) Have you checked that your exhaust vent is not blocked by bird nests, debris, etc.?
(2) Have you checked the exhaust stack to make sure there are no holes or metal corrosion?
(3) Have you checked that the exhaust stack is connected?
Customers using FE/FF type water heaters and bath water heaters
Please check whether you can answer 'yes' to all questions.
(1) Have you checked that the chimney is not punctured or dislodged? Also make sure that the chimney is firmly fixed with the fixture.
(2) Have you checked that the fan was spinning when you turned on the hot water?
(3) Have you checked that the air intake of your equipment is not clogged with dust?
(4) Have you checked that the power plug is plugged in?
(5) Have you checked the air intake is not blocked?
(6) Have you checked the metal at the end of your chimney it is not corroded? Also, have you checked to see if the chimney is clogged with bird nests or other foreign objects?
(7) Have you checked that the fan was spinning when you turned on the hot water?
(8) Have you checked that the chimney is not punctured or dislodged? Also make sure that the chimney is firmly fixed with the fixture.
(9) Have you checked the metal at the end of your chimney is not corroded? Also, have you checked to see if the chimney is clogged with bird nests or other foreign objects?
(10) Have you checked that the power plug is plugged in?
(11) Have you checked the air intake is not blocked?
(12) Have you checked that the exhaust overflow detector is connected?
(13) Have you checked that the solenoid valve used to turn off the gas in case of emergency is not secured with a string or something to prevent it from working? If it is, it is very dangerous and should be removed immediately.
(14) Have you checked to see if your exhaust is working properly? Please check periodically with incense sticks or other smoke.
Prevent poisoning accidents resulting from incomplete combustion.
Do not enclose outdoor gas appliances with boards, etc.
Please be careful to prevent accidents from occurring.
Enclosing an outdoor gas appliance with boards or other can cause insufficient fresh air, resulting in accidents or gas appliance failure due to incomplete combustion. A supply and exhaust system is required if installing a gas appliance indoors through expansion or renovation work, or if enclosing it with boards, etc.
If gas appliances are not installed correctly, there is a risk of serious accidents such as CO poisoning. Please follow the precautions and use the equipment properly.
Do not use an exhaust fan when using an indoor gas bath water heater!
Do not use an exhaust fan in the kitchen or dressing room when a gas bath water heater is in use, as the exhaust air may flow back into the bathroom, causing CO poisoning.
To users of gas in commercial kitchens
Read the instruction manual for gas appliances carefully to ensure correct use.
Always use ventilators (air supply and exhaust)
Ensure that there is a sufficient air supply. Run the ventilation system to make sure air is drawn in.
Never leave a flame unattended.
Do not leave a flame unattended while in use. If you leave, turn it off.
Turn off the flame and then the gas tap.
Turn off the flame and then close the gas tap.
Daily maintenance
Pay attention to gas appliances, ventilation equipment, and kitchen air supply and exhaust vents.
Installation of gas and CO alarm
We recommend you install a gas and CO alarm that detects both gas leaks and incompleate combustion. A lamp and sound will alert you to the danger in an emergency.