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Basic Safety Rules for LPG Cylinders

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

•  Use equipment and parts specifically manufactured and approved for LPG. Look for the endorsement badge on every appliance

•  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

• 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

• If any leakage is detected or suspected from a cylinder, turn it off immediately and REFER TO EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

• LPG cylinders (except specially designed forklift and automotive cylinders) must always be stored and transported in an upright position. This ensures the safety 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

• 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

Installation and maintenance of LP Gas appliances must only be carried out by licensed or authorised LPG installers or service companies.

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.

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.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Leak suspected - Location Uncertain

1. Check the entire system for ANY indication of gas leak, such as smell or hiss.

2. 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.

3. If the leak has been indoors, fully ventilate the room before further use of appliance.

4. 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.

Bushfire Safety

As a result of recent bushfires, users should know that their LP Gas cylinders will not contribute to any further escalation of potential fire damage.

Elgas therefore strongly recommends the following simple procedures that have proved effective in the past.

For any installation, check as follows:

• Remove flammable materials away from gas cylinders.

• Ensure cylinders are upright and secured on a firm base.

• Ensure the cylinder safety relief valves are directed away from the building and from each other.

• Ensure the cylinder valves are easily turned "off".  

If a bushfire approaches:

• Turn off all cylinder valves and appliances in the home. Don't forget BBQ / caravan / workshop cylinders.

• Ring the fire brigade and follow instructions.

• Leave cylinder in place (do not attempt to disconnect, remove or lay the cylinders on their side).

• Spray top of cylinder with water if available, but only while fire is at a safe distance. (This could be done while hosing roof and gutters but is not necessary unless the cylinder(s) are subject to an increase in temperature).

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.

For any maintenance enquires, call the Elgas Maintenance Hotline on 1800 065 258 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Download LPG Gas MSDS