Gas cylinder bottle safety – simple tips for householders


Released 15/11/2019

As the weather begins to warm up, it’s important to conduct simple safety and maintenance checks on your gas cylinder bottle before transporting and using them.

Canberrans are reminded to keep themselves, their work colleagues and family safe by practising a few simple safety tips when using, transporting or storing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottles.

ACT Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said doing the right thing when transporting gas bottles is an important consideration because portable gas cylinders have ignited in vehicles causing an explosion even when bottles were thought to be empty.

“It’s preferable that gas bottles are transported in open air vehicles like a trailer or ute and secured with straps or in a container in an upright position, never lying down,” Mr Jones said.

“If this is not possible, you can transport gas cylinders in an upright secured position in the boot of your car – never on a passenger seat or in the footwell. It’s also important to wind your car windows down as this provides more ventilation in the vehicle.

“For safety reasons, don’t transport more than two gas bottles in an enclosed vehicle at any time. Ensure bottles are kept cool and away from flames, sparks and heat. Never leave a gas bottle in the car, even if it’s empty.”

Mr Jones said Canberrans should always read the manufacturer’s operating instructions and never use gas cylinder bottles indoors or in confined spaces.

“People can quickly and easily check for gas leakage by spraying soapy water on any suspect connection or hose and watch for bubbles.  If in doubt, turn off the gas and have a licensed gas fitter attend to the hose or connection.

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

Other safety tips include:

  • Ensure valves are turned off firmly when not in use - do not over tighten
  • Do not connect or disconnect cylinders near a naked flame
  • Do not use LPG in windy conditions
  • Check the rubber Bull Nose or O-Ring of the hose that connects the appliances to the LPG cylinder valve is present and also for cracks
  • Use the correct type of hose connection – do not make temporary connections
  • Check for cracked or damaged hoses and/or damaged gas regulators, which may need replacing
  • Check hoses to make sure they have not perished by brushing or spraying on soapy water
  • Check hoses for blockages and/or spiders, which may have nested inside during winter.

“I urge Canberrans to follow these practical tips this summer to minimise health and safety risks,” Mr Jones said.

For more safety tips visit www.act.gov.au/accessCBR

- Statement ends -

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