6,909 LPG cylinders checked; 1,309 rejected in Oman

Muscat: Of the 6,909 cylinders of liquefied petroleum (LPG) gas sent for examination between January and October 2016 in the South Al Batinah governorate, 5,600 were cleared for use while 1,309 were rejected.
This was stated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, represented through its Commerce and Industry Department.
The gas cylinders were sent for examination to check if these were in conformity with the Omani standard specifications(201/2014) regarding gas cylinders, requirements of mobilising, transporting, trading
and storage.
The cylinders, which included both, with capacities of 48 litres and 108 litres, were examined in collaboration with a number of specialised companies working in the governorate.
Ahmed bin Salem Al Shikely, Director of Commerce and Industry Department in Rustaq in South Al Batinah, said all cylinders must adhere to a number of general requirements, including Omani standard specifications mentioned in the article 1/2.
Cylinder valves must meet these specifications. Besides, cylinders should be locked during transport and storage. In addition, these should have a uniform colour that reflects thermal radiation and is not affected by direct sunlight. As per recommendation, these should be painted grey silver. Lubricants and sealants used in valves should also be resistant to liquefied petroleum gas.
The cylinders should not be examined with the help of a flame to check for any gas leakage. Neither should these be exposed to any external fatigue during transportation or storage. Moreover, cylinders should be stored in covered airy places.
Ahmed Al Shikely said the cylinders are examined externally to check for any rust, a problem with the base, any leak or dents. Also, these are put through hydraulic pressure tests since the aim is to apply the Omani standard specifications(201/2014) concerning gas cylinders(requirements of mobilizing, transporting, trading and storage of petroleum liquefied gases cylinders) to ensure customer’s safety.
Al Shikely revealed that when a cylinder is received, it is sorted under certain categories, and is considered valid for mobilisation when the cylinder’s data is readable, the tare weight is determined and is readable.