LPG Gas Safety Guidelines
LPG Gas Safety Guidelines
ALWAYS:
Ensure work on fixed LPG installations whether new or being modified is carried out by a licensed or authorised gasfitter
Keep LPG appliances and fittings in first class condition via regular servicing, checking regularly for deterioration in performance, signs of corrosion and minor leaks
Please see Gas Appliance Maintenance
Use equipment and parts specifically manufactured and approved for LPG. Look for the gas appliance certification label on every appliance
Please see Gas Appliance Certification & Labelling
With any LPG appliance or burner that fails to ignite immediately, turn off the gas supply and ventilate for at least three minutes to allow any gas to disperse before attempting to reignite
Ensure there is adequate ventilation when using LPG appliances (especially unflued appliances) to allow fresh air for consumption and removal of burnt gases
NEVER:
Tamper with the safety valve or other cylinder fittings
Use undue force to open or close the main cylinder valve. If in doubt, consult a licensed gasfitter
Care of LPG Cylinders and Fittings
See Home LPG Gas Bottle Sizes page for 45kg and larger home & business gas bottles.
Please see our BBQ LPG Gas Bottle Sizes page for information on 9kg and 4kg bottles.
Every cylinder must be inspected by an authorised LPG test station at least once every 10 years.
The last inspection date should be clearly stamped on the cylinder collar, neck or footing
Please see Gas Bottle-Cylinder Testing Facts
If any leakage is detected or suspected from a cylinder, turn it off immediately and REFER TO EMERGENCY PROCEDURES below.
LPG cylinders (except specially designed forklift and automotive cylinders) must always be stored and transported in an upright position.
This ensures the pressure relief valve is not immersed in the liquid and is located in the vapour space as required by its design approvals
Cylinders should be stored in a well-ventilated space and away from possible sources of ignition, excess heat or other compressed gases
Please see Gas Bottle-Cylinder Storage & Handling
Always secure cylinders during transport, remove any hose, hose fittings and regulators and attach a sealing plug whenever the appliance is not connected
Shut off cylinder valve before disconnecting from appliance and ensure appliances are turned off before connecting new cylinder
The filling of any cylinder (other than automotive) from a service station bowser is an offence
Use and Care of LPG Appliances
Please also see our Choosing an LPG Appliance page
Installation and maintenance of LP Gas appliances must only be carried out by licensed or authorised LPG installers or service companies.
Please see Gas Fitters & Gas Fitting
The installer is responsible to ensure that new or replacement appliances are connected, tested, adjusted and in safe working order.
Appliance operating instructions should be handed to the consumer and explained by the installer.
LPG appliances must not be connected to other gas supply systems, such as natural gas.
Adequate ventilation must be provided to allow air for satisfactory combustion and ensure ample dispersal of the burnt gases. This is particularly important for unflued appliances.
Installations in caravans, recreational vehicles and boats must comply with the installation code applicable to fixed appliances.
Cylinder compartments must be sealed from the interior of vehicles/boats and vented to the outside.
Cylinder valves must be closed when a caravan is in transit.
Never use any gas appliance, including a refrigerator, in a moving vehicle.
Please see Caravan Gas Bottles & Requirements
Turn off every LPG appliance in caravans/boats before refuelling.
Do not use unflued LPG appliances under any circumstances in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping annexes.
LPG Gas Emergency Procedures
Leak suspected - Location Uncertain
Check the entire system for ANY indication of gas leak, such as smell or hiss.
Test with soapy water solution, which will bubble at any point where gas escapes.
NEVER use a match, flame or plain water to test for a leak.
If the leak has been indoors, fully ventilate the room before further use of appliance.
Do not interfere with any part of a fixed installation.
Leak Detected - Not on Fire
If possible, stop the leak by shutting the cylinder valve.
Ventilate the area thoroughly until the air is clear.
If it’s not possible to stop the leak, remove the cylinder carefully to a safe outdoor location.
Keep the leak uppermost so that only vapour and not liquid escapes.
Keep hands and face clear of any stream of escaping liquid and where possible, wear thermally insulated gloves.
If the cylinder cannot be removed, disperse gas with fine water spray and provide maximum ventilation.
Keep possible ignition sources at least 20 metres away until cylinder is empty.
These sources could include open fires, non-flameproof electrical appliances, camera flash, telephone, radio, vehicle engines, and any other equipment that can generate a spark.
Leaking Cylinder or Appliance - On Fire
If the valve is undamaged and it’s safe to do so, close it and let the fire go out. Do not use again until inspected.
If the valve cannot be closed, call the fire brigade, police or gas dealer, advising location, that it is LPG and cylinder size.
Keep cylinder cool by water hose but DO NOT attempt to extinguish flame.
Unburnt gases in confined space may explode if reignited.
Keep clear and await assistance.
If there is any possibility of cylinder(s) being engulfed by fire, evacuate the adjacent area.
Cylinder Exposed to Excessive Heat
Keep cylinder cool with a water hose, sprayed from the maximum possible distance.
Remove from heat source if safe and possible to do so.
LPG Gas Cylinder and Equipment Maintenance
At Elgas we record the compliance plate certificate details of every cylinder and all equipment delivered to the homes and businesses of our customers.
It's part of our dedication to the safety of our employees, customers and their communities.
Like electricity and Natural Gas, LPG is considered a dangerous good, and as such needs to be treated with the utmost respect.
That's why Elgas has a safety and compliance program that is unparalleled amongst its competitors and well in excess of regulatory requirements.
We monitor the details and location of every cylinder we deliver and use this to conduct regular safety audits, programmed maintenance and replacements where necessary.
Our Tankers are designed and maintained to World Best Practice standards, with a host of features including:
Program Logic Circuit with remote diagnosis to pinpoint problems before they occur
Sate of the Art Emergency Shut Down systems
Comprehensive daily and weekly routine safety checks
A maintenance program well beyond industry standards and requirements
Vehicle performance logging systems
Real time access to customer records
You don't need to know all this to enjoy the many benefits of LPG gas in your home or business, but we like to do everything we can so that you’re assured that safety is never compromised.