For instance, let’s talk about LPG gas, the most common type of "fuel" for cooking in kitchens all over the country. We tend to take LPG cylinders for granted (like we do with most other things in the home). All we know about them is that they are convenient and more of less, "safe" compared to cooking with firewood or kerosene.
But what do we know about handling LPG cylinders?
According to Tito Velasquez, TOTAL (Phil.) Corp. LPG manager, "LPG is a highly flammable substance and should be handled withoutmost precaution, specially in the home."
He listed some basic tips and precautions, as follows:
When an LPG cyclinder is being delivered, watch if the delivery man handles it properly. He should roll the tank on its food ring or the bottom part... NEVER rolled on its side. I know, however, the delivery man usually carries the tank on his shoulder.
Make sure that the regulator attachment is properly installed on the tank. This should fit tightly on the mouth of the tank.
To check if there is a leak in the connection, apply soapy water over the regulator connection and along the hose. Bubbles will appear if there is a leak.
If bubbles appear, remove the regulator from the tank and immediately contact the LPG distributor for assistance and a change of cyclinder.
Always switch off the regulator after you have finished all your cooking.
If you have a reserve tank on standby, better to keep it outside the house if possible, like in the open laundry area or in an area where there is free circulation of air. This way, you avoid suffocating in case of a leak. Remember, LPG gas is colorless and nearly odorless.
Buy only from authorized LPG distributors. Usually, homeowners have a "suki" distributor. If the latter has proven reliable (that is, he doesn’t short measure the contents of the tank and delivers punctually), stick to him.
Product safety is of utmost importance. So choose your LPG brand and supplier carefully.
This could save the lives of your family and your home.
We are still waiting for word about a proposed bill to standardize the LPG regulator so that homeowners dont have to buy a new regulator every time they shift brands. Press release lang ba?
Meanwhile, save on LPG gas with these tips:
Before you switch on the burner on the stove, be sure that all your ingredients are ready for cooking.
If you plan to prepare more than one dish, it’s a good idea to have all the ingredients for each dish ready before you begin to cook. Have the cooking pans and pots that you need ready and on hand, so you can do one dish after another without interruption.
You would be wise to invest in pots and pans that save on energy such as hot plate bottoms and covers that seal the pot but have a spout for hot air to escape (something like pressure cookers). This will cut down on cooking time and ergo, LPG gas.
Better to keep little children out of the kitchen and away from harm’s way. Accidents happen when the little ones get in the way as they play.
If you have to keep children in sight, such as toddlers or babies, put them in a playpen or a table in one corner, at a safe distance from the cooking area. Keep them busy with toys and things to do, like drawing or coloring books.
*****
BY THE WAY... beware the color red in your food.
According to recent reports, the Chinese government has ordered a specific chili sauce brand to be pulled from the market since it was found that the red dye used in the sauce was carcinogenic.
Likewise, chilli sauces in other countries are now being analyzed and scrutinized for the same reason.
Red is my favorite color... in clothes, shoes and bags. But not in my food.
So when I bought a hot dog brand which is specially popular with kids, I cooked the dogs in my usual manner — boiled in water. Boiling sausages, franks and hot dogs is healthier because you don’t use cooking oil which not only makes them oily but is high in cholesterol and fat.
Imagine my chagrin to see the water become reddish as obviously the hot dogs were losing their dye.
No doubt the manufacturers think that red hot dogs are more appealing but goodness, is all that food dye necessary?
A Kalabasa Award goes to those major food and beverage manufacturers recently found to be major polluters by the DENR. You’d be amazed which companies these are. As I recall, the two beverage and soft drink companies even made some ado about being environmental friendly. Yah, yah, yah!
