Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) safety

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a common fuel source for heating and cooking. LPG cylinders are safe when used correctly. You can minimise risk by watching the following safety video and following these simple safety tips.

When using LPG cylinders

  • always ensure adequate ventilation and never use indoors or in confined spaces
  • always read the manufacturers operating instructions
  • do not connect or disconnect cylinders near a naked flame
  • do not use LPG in windy conditions
  • always keep cylinders cool and away from flames, sparks and heat.
  • Only use approved or certified hoses and connections designed for gas – never use home-made ones.

LPG appliance safety tips

Before getting started:

  • Make sure your gas connections are tight.
  • Turn on the cylinder valve and test for leaks. You can do this by using a squirt bottle or brush and coating the gas connections and hose with soapy water. Get into the habit of regularly checking for leaks every time you use your LP Gas appliance.
  • If bubbles start forming, there is a gas leak.
  • Turn off the gas cylinder valve. Disconnect the left hand thread connection and check that the faces are clean.
  • Check the rubber Bull Nosing or O-Ring is not damaged and is present on the hose that connects the appliances to the LPG cylinder valve. Leaks are caused by damaged or missing O-Rings or rubber Bull Nosing or where connections are not tight.
  • Check for cracks or damage on the hose or a damaged gas regulator, which may need replacing. Always take care when reconnecting.
  • Turn the gas back on and test everything again with soapy water.
  • If bubbles are still forming, turn off the gas supply and do not use the gas appliance. Contact a licensed gasfitter to replace the gas hose and regulator assembly.
  • After you have finished using your LP Gas appliance, you should always close the cylinder valve first before turning off the LP Gas appliance.
  • Keep your LP Gas appliance clean and in good condition.

Transporting gas cylinders

Transporting gas cylinders in enclosed vehicles can pose a safety risk.

Portable gas cylinders have been known to ignite and explode inside vehicles even when bottles were thought to be empty and turned off.

When transporting LPG cylinders ensure

the main cylinder valves are turned off firmly (DO NOT over tighten) and plugged if possible.

cylinders are secure and in an upright position – not loose or lying down.You can use straps, a sturdy cardboard box or container to secure the cylinders.

You transport LP Gas cylinders in vehicles with cargo areas open to the air like a ute or trailer.

If this is not possible, put the gas cylinders in the boot or wagon part of your vehicle – never on a passenger seat or in the footwells.

your car windows are wound down – this is important - never leave them up while transporting cylinders.

for safety reasons, that cylinders are not left in an enclosed vehicle unnecessarily and no more than two LPG cylinders are transported in a vehicle at any one time.

Maintenance

Gas cylinders are required to be replaced or re-tested and stamped every 10 years. You can find the expiry date and other information stamped on the neck of the cylinder.

If the cylinder is more than 10 years passed its stamped date, the cylinder cannot be refilled.

Do not attempt to refill dented, damaged or corroded cylinders. They must be returned to a test station for re-certification.

On this page