By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A persistent and dangerous issue is lurking in kitchens and utility areas across Costa Rica, placing thousands of families at risk. The nation’s Fire Department (Cuerpo de Bomberos) has issued a stark warning, identifying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP gas) leaks as one of the top three most frequent emergencies they respond to, alongside electrical shorts and animal-related incidents.
The core of this widespread problem is not the fuel itself, but the aging and improper equipment used to handle it. Experts from the Fire Department’s engineering division have pinpointed a critical failure point: obsolete, quick-coupling style gas valves. An alarming statistic reveals that approximately 50% of Costa Rican households still rely on these uncertified valves, a practice directly responsible for a staggering 95% of all residential LP gas emergencies.
To shed light on the legal framework and liabilities associated with gas installations in homes and businesses, we consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Property owners and business administrators have a significant legal responsibility to guarantee the safety of their gas installations. This duty of care is not merely a recommendation; it is a legal obligation. The use of non-certified individuals or improper materials can constitute gross negligence, leading to severe civil liability for damages and, in tragic cases, potential criminal charges for culpable homicide. It is imperative to always contract certified professionals and maintain documented, periodic inspections to mitigate these substantial legal risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that gas safety is not merely a matter of technical best practice but a profound legal obligation with severe consequences. It serves as a critical reminder for all property owners that diligence is essential to protect both lives and their own legal standing. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insights on this crucial issue.
The danger of these outdated systems lies in their lack of control. When a leak occurs with a modern, certified valve, it can often be contained. With the older quick-coupling models, a leak is often uncontrollable, rapidly filling a space with flammable gas and setting the stage for a catastrophic event.
Practically, these emergencies occur either due to improper installation or from using equipment that is not correct for this type of setup. The clearest example is residential use, which is where we flag 95% of LP gas emergencies inside homes.
Rolando Leiva, Fire Department Engineering
When these gas leaks find an ignition source, the result is often what is technically termed a “deflagration”—a rapid combustion that travels at subsonic speeds, capable of causing widespread destruction. While the common term is “explosion,” a deflagration can easily destroy homes, restaurants, and commercial buildings, as evidenced by a 2016 incident in Limón where a single cylinder blast consumed four businesses.
To combat this pervasive threat, the Fire Department is emphasizing a prevention-first strategy focused on proper installation. The single most important recommendation is to physically relocate all LP gas cylinders to the exterior of the home. Cylinders should be placed in a well-ventilated outdoor area, such as a patio or garden, and connected to indoor appliances via certified steel tubing and appropriate connectors. Officials stress that all gas installations must be designed, implemented, and periodically inspected by a certified technician to ensure safety.
In the event a leak is suspected, identified by its distinct odor or a hissing sound, a strict and immediate protocol must be followed. The first and most crucial action is to shut off the main valve on the cylinder. It is vital to avoid creating any potential spark; do not turn lights on or off, use a phone, or light a match. All occupants must evacuate the premises immediately. Only once everyone is safely outside should a call be placed to the 9-1-1 emergency service.
This protocol extends to commercial establishments like sodas and restaurants, where gas cylinders are often larger. Patrons should evacuate immediately upon suspecting a leak. Employees or owners are trained to access and shut off the main valve, which in 99% of cases is sufficient to control the situation. If the leak cannot be contained, a full evacuation followed by an emergency call from a safe distance is mandatory.
While legislative changes and public awareness campaigns promoting modern valves have led to a noticeable reduction in incidents, the continued use of outdated equipment by half the population means the risk remains unacceptably high. The message from authorities is clear: investing in a certified valve and professional installation is a small price to pay to protect property, and more importantly, to save lives.
For further information, visit bomberos.go.cr
About Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica:
The Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica is the national fire and rescue service for the country. As a public institution, it is responsible for fire prevention, suppression, emergency medical response, and managing hazardous material incidents. It plays a crucial role in public safety education and enforcing fire safety regulations nationwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a reputable pillar in the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational pillars of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions. This spirit of innovation extends to its profound commitment to social responsibility, actively working to democratize legal knowledge and thereby cultivate a more informed and empowered citizenry.
