Using indoor lpg cylinders safely
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is one of New Zealand’s most popular fuels. We use it to fire up our barbeques and patio heaters, for cooking on gas stoves and in ovens, to heat our water, and in gas fireplaces. We also use LPG to heat our homes and workspaces.
Hazards
Fire/Explosion
Despite its widespread use, LPG can be dangerous, even fatal, if not used correctly. LPG is a highly flammable gas that burns explosively if there is a leak and a source of ignition is present.; As homeowners and employee regularly disconnect empty LPG cylinders and connect filled cylinders, proper care must be taken to ensure that the connections do not leak.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is another dangerous hazard associated with using LPG in heaters located in small areas like caravans, shipping containers and small rooms with inadequate ventilation. The lack of ventilation makes it difficult for the LPG to burn efficiently, and will produce carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide is a clear, non-smelling gas that is very poisonous.
Breathing in small amounts of carbon monoxide will make a person feel sick, have headaches and flushed skin, feel dizzy and tired. At high levels of carbon monoxide, a person can collapse, become unconscious or even die. Therefore it is important to ensure that a source of ventilation is available when using gas appliances indoors.
Key Information
EPA New Zealand has produced an information sheet to assist LPG users to use LPG cylinders indoor safely [pdf file 67kB external link].
The information contains:
- Characteristics and hazards of LPG
- A typical indoor LPG cylinder system
- Responsibilities of cylinder owners and users
- Storing your cylinder safely
- Changing a cylinder safely
- Having the right cylinder connections
- Using adaptors for mixed connections
- Transporting your cylinder safely
- What to do in an emergency (leakage)
Further Information
- EPA New Zealand webpage Requirements for Indoor LPG Cylinders
- Department of Labour Factsheet Carbon Monoxide: Invisible and Deadly
- Energy Safety Service leaflet Living Safely with Gas
