Danger lurks in modular kitchens with hidden cylinders: Experts

KOLKATA: A day after a suspected LPG vapour cloud explosion left a 48-year-old woman — wife of a Kolkata Police inspector and the mother of two — seriously injured at Kestopur, forensic experts, who visited the spot pointed to the dangers lurking in modular kitchens where even the gas cylinder is hidden behind a cupboard.
Pointing to this case — and at least five other similar “explosions” reported from residences and restaurants this year, the experts said it was imperative that “accessories and attachments of gas cylinder remain visible to the naked eye for immediate detection of leakages.”
“Your safety is more important than aesthetics and the kitchen remains one of the most vulnerable points,” said a forensic expert.
“In the US or Europe, from where the modular kitchen concept is loosely borrowed, gas is supplied through pipelines. The gas source is not inside the residential rooms. While the same concept has been adopted at several new complexes, a greater part of Kolkata houses, including restaurants, have the gas cylinder placed in the kitchen,” said an expert adding that when the kitchen is modular, the residents cannot see two crucial points of origination of fire — the regulator knob and the gas pipe that connects the cylinder to the oven.
“Once a LPG leak happens, the gas settles down as it is heavier than air. Contrary to popular view, an open window is not a solution. Only when gas reaches the window level will the gas move out. In a modular set up the gas accumulates inside the cupboard,” explained another expert.