Lewisham Council is launching a borough wide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of acetylene cylinders and how to reduce the risks they present.
Lewisham officers and the London Fire Brigade will be visiting business premises over the next few months to offer advice and information about how to store the cylinders correctly and suggest suitable alternatives.
All business will be given an information booklet about the cylinders and the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.
Dave Smith, Borough Commander, Lewisham Fire Brigade said: “This is another good example of Lewisham Council working in partnership with us to tackle safety issues that affect the local community.
“We hope that by working together we can reach more businesses in the borough and reduce the amount of fires involving cylinders. Our aim is to ensure that people are kept safe while using cylinders and are given the correct information.”
Facts about acetylene gas
Acetylene gas is an industrial gas and is used for many purposes including cutting and welding metal. The cylinders are often used in mechanical garages, factories and warehouses.
Acetylene cylinders are extremely flammable and can explode causing a 25m fireball, flying glass and structural damage to nearby buildings with the cylinders travelling over 150 metres.
The hazard zone for acetylene cylinders involved in a fire is 200m radius for up to 24 hours.
For more information or advice about acetylene cylinders contact our Emergency Planning Team.