LPG Tank Installation Safety
Gas installations must be carried out by a qualified gas fitter and must meet the following criteria:
- Be compliant with the relevant governing authority installation guidelines i.e. it not too close to an ignition source, doorway, window opening etc.
- Be accessible for the delivery driver to safely carry out the refill or exchange of cylinders without endangering his or her personal safety.
- Be accessible for the delivery vehicle used in that area.
We recognise that over time significant changes may take place on a property, some planned and others unplanned, but regardless of how they came about, these changes may impact on either the compliance of the site or the ability of the driver to access or deliver LPG safely.
Changes such as:
- Fitting an air conditioner, power point or hot water system (sources of ignition) too close to the LPG cylinder installation
- Adding a doorway or window
- Building a wall or barrier near or around the LPG cylinder installation
- Vegetation or rubbish accumulating around the installation;
Will affect the compliance of the site and therefore deliveries may cease until the problem has been rectified.
It is recommended that should you be planning any electrical or building work in the vicinity of your LPG installation, that you check beforehand whether the work will affect the installations compliance.
Some of the changes listed above, as well as:
- Broken or damaged pathways
- Low hanging tree branches over driveways
- Broken or damaged steps;
Could affect the driver’s ability to safely access or deliver to the LPG installation and may result in disrupted deliveries until the problems are rectified. The immediate area around and leading up to an LPG installation should be kept tidy, and free from flammable material and overgrown vegetation at all times.
General LPG Safety
- If you use LPG in cylinders, you should be aware of the basic properties of the gas as well as safe handling and operating practises.
- There is no danger with an LPG system that is correctly installed and operated. However, like all other fuels, LPG should be treated with care.
Essential Guidelines
- Cylinders must never be laid down. Always keep cylinders upright. (This also applies during transportation-when they must be well secured).
- Never tamper with a cylinder or valve. If excess force is needed to open or close the cylinder valve, or if the valve is damaged in any way, have it repaired at an authorised cylinder test station.
- If a leak from the cylinder valve is detected, move the cylinder to a safe location at least 20 metres from any sources of ignition until empty.
- Ensure that cylinders are always kept away from sources of ignition or heat.
- Only use appliances designed for LPG. This will be marked with a badge or label to this effect.
- Ensure that gas appliances are only operated in adequately ventilated spaces. (barbeques are only approved for outdoor use).
- Should there be a fire, use a dry chemical fire extinguisher as these are suitable to extinguish LPG fires.
- In the event of fire, an LPG cylinder should be removed from the heat source. If this is not possible, keep the cylinder cool by spraying water on to it. However, if flames are threatening to engulf the cylinder, the area should be evacuated and emergency services notified immediately.