LPG Gas Health and Safety

LPG is colourless, heavier than air and odourless until odorant is added for safety reasons

LPG can be easily stored and transported in pressurised cylinders

When lightly compressed it becomes a liquid - one litre of liquid LPG is the equivalent of 270 litres of gas.

LPG burns readily in air and has a high-energy content making it an excellent fuel for heating, cooking and automotive use.

LPG has a higher calorific value than natural gas. There are two sources of LPG - natural gas processing and crude oil refining.

LPG can range from virtually 100% propane to 100% butane.

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.

USE YOUR BRAIN - Commonsense is used in all day to day things you do, when you are dealing with a dangerous good please ensure you think safety first and foremost and take all precautions needed and required and at the end of the day commonsense is your best ally!

Never tamper with the safety valve or other cylinder fittings

Never use undue force to open or close the main cylinder valve. If in doubt, consult a licensed gasfitter

Every cylinder must have 3 important things to be legal and eligible for filling and usage:
1. Have a current 10 year In Test date
2. Have an official NZ LAB number
3. Have a correct empty weight.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keep cylinder cool with a water hose, sprayed from the maximum possible distance.

Remove from heat source if safe and possible to do so.

Like electricity and Natural Gas, LPG is considered a dangerous good, and as such needs to be treated with the utmost respect.

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.

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.