Hsinchu City to inspect all restaurants for gas safety after explosion

Following a major gas explosion in Hsinchu City on June 9, the city government has initiated a comprehensive joint inspection of gas usage in all approximately 2,400 restaurants. The initiative, which aims to be completed within three months, involves a collaborative effort between the Fire Bureau, Department of Industrial Development, Department of Urban Development, and the Hsinchu Gas Company.

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Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the main fuel for many small eateries, breakfast shops, and restaurants. Although the law stipulates that businesses using more than 80 kilograms of connected or backup gas are managed by the Fire Bureau according to law, many stalls that the public consumes daily do not meet this management standard.

The inspection will systematically review fire safety equipment, gas usage practices, fire escape facilities, and overall safety management within commercial establishments. The first day of checks focused on the Beimen Street commercial district, assessing the current state of gas use and reinforcing public safety management mechanisms. Mayor Kao Hung-an highlighted that while regulations require businesses using over 80 kilograms of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to be managed by the Fire Bureau, many smaller establishments, like food stalls and breakfast shops, do not meet this threshold.

To enhance overall safety, the city government will follow administrative guidance from the Ministry of the Interior regarding the safe management of LPG containers. This includes a thorough review of gas usage in all businesses and providing administrative guidance to those using less than 80 kilograms. Operators will be advised to conduct self-inspections every two weeks and encouraged to install safety devices such as gas leak shut-off valves, leak detectors, anti-tipping devices, and fire extinguishers.

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To strengthen overall safety protection, the city government will, in accordance with the "Administrative Guidance Outline for Safety Management of Business Premises Using Liquefied Petroleum Gas Containers" revised by the Ministry of the Interior on April 30, 115 [2026], comprehensively investigate and implement the grasp of gas usage in business premises.

Mayor Kao also urged the public to proactively check their home gas environments. This includes ensuring gas cylinders are within their inspection period, that the storage area is well-ventilated, and that regulators and hoses show no signs of aging, cracking, or loosening. Residents are advised to keep the area around gas cylinders clear of clutter and flammable materials. In case of a suspected gas leak, people should remain calm and follow the "prohibit, close, push, leave" (禁、關、推、離) protocol: do not operate any electrical switches, close the main gas valve or cylinder valve, gently open doors and windows for ventilation, and immediately leave the premises to call emergency services.

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If you smell a suspected gas leak, immediately turn off the gas valve and use natural ventilation to disperse the gas. Do not turn on electrical equipment, light switches, or ignite fires, stoves, etc., that may produce a fire source, to avoid causing an explosion.