LPG Gas Cylinder Safety

Liquefied petroleum gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG or LP gas), also referred to as simply propane or butane are flammable mixtures of hydrocarbon gases used as fuel in heating appliances in cooking equipment, and vehicles. LPG Gas Cylinder has a very wide variety of uses, mainly used for cylinders across many different markets as an efficient fuel container in the agricultural, recreation, hospitality, calefaction, construction, sailing and fishing sectors. It can serve as fuel for cooking, central heating and to water heating and is a particularly cost-effective and efficient way to heat off-grid homes. In the safety font LPG cylinders must be updated to new standards in safety and user experience, giving a huge contribution for domestic usage.

Hazards of LPG Gas Cylinder

Explosions and fires have occurred when cylinders of LP Gas (propane) or acetylene have been carried or left in closed vehicles, such as vans or cars.
Spark sources in the home electrical components such as, electric motors (starter motor, wipers, aerial), ignition systems, radios and sound systems, cigarette lighters, and possibly light switches can ignite a flammable gas mixture. Lighting a cigarette in the home/kitchen will also ignite such a mixture.
LP gas is widely used by trades as a fuel for portable heating equipment, as well as by the public for barbecues and for camping. It is heavier than air, so it will accumulate in low areas rather than dissipate. It can generate an explosive mixture with air if the cylinder or attached equipment leaks.

Safety precaution of LPG Gas Cylinder

Before the cylinder is connected to an appliance, it is essential that you check:-

The LPG cylinder’s date stamp is less than 10 years old. LPG cylinders must be re-tested every 10 years, and should not be used if the cylinder is “out-of-date”.
The LPG Gas Cylinder is in good condition, and must be free from damage and rust.
The LPG Gas Cylinder valve is clean and in good condition
The hoses and appliance fittings are in good condition.
Give special attention to the rubber o-rings and rubber parts used on LPG regulators, and replace these as required.
Suspected leaks can be checked by using soapy water; check cylinder, valve and connections to the appliance (e.g. barbeque, heater, camp light etc). Always rinse and dry the connection when the leak test is finished. Never use a match or cigarette lighter.

Storage Related Precautions

Keep the cylinder valves closed when not in use and fit and tighten the plug to the cylinder valve internal thread.
Ensure that the cylinder is stored upright (vertical) at all times and is not at risk of tipping over.
Inspect the cylinder on a regular basis to ensure it is in good condition, free from rust and housed properly.
Ensure the cylinder is stored in an area that is adequately ventilated and not susceptible to excessive temperature rise.
Store the cylinder in a secure location to protect against falling, damage, being hit by ride on mowers, vandalism.
Provide separate storage for LPG away from the oxidizing gases (e.g. oxygen) by at least 3 meters.
Use the cylinders only in well ventilated areas.

Other precaution while using the LPG Cylinder in home

Check rubber tubes regularly for cracks, if any. Change rubber tube at least once in two years.
Strike the match first then open the burner knob of your stove.
Retain safety cap with nylon thread attached to cylinder. Fix the cap on the valve to stop leak, if any. Fix safety cap on the valve, when cylinder is not connected.
Do not place cylinder inside a closed compartment and keep the stove on a platform or table above the cylinder level.
Always use cotton apron while cooking.
Before using the cylinder check for leakage from the cylinder valve and other joints by applying soap solution.
Always keep the cylinder in vertical position with valve on top and installed at ground level on the float surface.
Cylinder must not be installed near any heat source and should not be exposed to sun, rain, dust and heat.
Regulators to be used on the cylinders must be of the same diameter as the cylinder valve. Regulators should always be kept in off position when the cylinder is not in use.

Do’s in case of leakage