Safe Use Of LPG Cylinders

What is LPG?

Liquefied Petroleum Gas is a flammable gas, which has the potential to create fire or an
explosion.

LPG (propane or butane) is a colourless liquid that readily evaporates into a gas. It has no
smell, although it will normally have an odour added to help detect leaks. It can burn or
explode when it is mixed with air and it meets a source of ignition. It is heavier than air, so it
tends to sink towards the ground. It can flow for long distances along the ground, and can
collect in drains.

LPG is supplied in pressurised cylinders to keep it liquefied. The cylinders are strong and
not easily damaged, although the valve at the top can be vulnerable to impact. Leaks can
occur from valves and pipe connections, most likely as a gas. LPG liquid can cause cold
burns to the skin.

Therefore it is important that the safe handling of LPG is understood and applied at home
and work.

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1 Keep rubbish and anything combustible well away from the cylinders.

2 Keep the cylinder away from heat and flame.

3 Store cylinders upright in a well-ventilated and readily accessible location.

4 Make sure the cylinders are properly secured and are kept upright.

5 Check cylinders and regulators for damage, leak or corrosion.

6 Frequently check rubber tubing for loose connectors, damage or leak.

7 Report any equipment failure or damage to your supplier without delay.

8 Test connections for leaks, using soapy water.

9 After testing, dry the cylinder and the connections to avoid corrosion.
Keep cylinder in safe place preferably in secure wooden box outside the house. Away from
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direct sunlight, motor vehicles and other sources of damage.
11 Never order more than what you need, as you may not have space to keep them safely.
12 Keep gas cylinders well away from children.
13 Make sure that "No Smoking" signs and any other safety notices are maintained.
14 Don’t do any modifications, which may affect the safety of the installation
Read the operating instructions, and the emergency actions, and ensure that everyone who
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needs to knows them and follows them carefully.
16 Check the expiry date of the cylinder and consult your supplier. (See below example)
Never roll a cylinder to move it from place to place. Use cylinder handles and small carts to
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carry cylinders.

Here is how we can check the
expiry of LPG cylinders:
On one of three side stems of the
cylinder, the expiry date is coded
alpha numerically as follows A or
B or C or D and some two-digit
number following this e.g. D13.
The alphabets stand for quarters -
 A for March (First Qtr),
 B for June (Second Qtr),
 C for Sept (Third Qtr), &
 D for December (Fourth Qtr).

The digits stand for the year till it is

valid. Hence D06 would mean Fourth
Qtr (December) of 2013.