Court expert Ibrak: Gas cylinders are safe, explosions occur due to human negligence

Sarajevo was shaken by a tragedy this morning. An elderly married couple died in their apartment in the Alipašino Polje neighborhood after a fire engulfed their home. The cause of the fire was a gas cylinder explosion. More information will be known after the investigation.

Ferhat Ibrak, a court expert in fire protection, told Patria that he will only be able to speak about the causes of the fire in Alipašino Polje after the investigation, but that the likelihood of a gas cylinder explosion is low.

- In 25 years, I have seen a gas cylinder explode in only one case, and it was not the cylinder that was the cause, but it was in the center of the fire, heated up, after which an explosion occurred – said Ibrak.

He believes that gas cylinders are absolutely safe if handled properly. If a problem with the cylinder occurs, the cause is most often human error. It is necessary, he advises, to frequently check the regulator, gasket, and hose from the appliance to the cylinder, to pay attention to the condition of the connectors on the appliance, as well as whether the appliance has a thermal device for protection against uncontrolled gas leakage.

- After each filling, the cylinder goes into a water bath, where it is tested to see if it leaks at the connection points, and there is only one connection point between the valve and the cylinder – says Ibrak.

- Finally, gas cylinders are tested every five years until the cylinder reaches 30 years of age. This is a legal obligation. After the cylinder reaches 30 years of age, they are either taken out of use or the testing interval is shortened – adds Ibrak.