LPG, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, is widely used as a fuel in many situations where there is no mains gas supply, or to supplement this in appliances which often only see temporary use, such as portable heaters.
However, because it is often stored under high pressure, and in canisters which can be damaged if they aren’t handled with the proper care, it’s important to know how to safely handle LPG cylinders and containers, and how to safely connect them to your LPG appliances.
Read on to learn how to safely handle and use LPG equipment, and who to contact if you have any concerns.
What is LPG?
Under normal conditions, LPG is a gas, but it is stored in cylinders under pressure as a liquid. LPG is no longer limited to conventional petroleum-based sources. Renewable alternatives are also being used and tested for more sustainable, lower-emission fuel production and use than traditional fuel sources.
LPG is used as a fuel in a range of household gas cooking and central heating appliances, including portable heaters, camping cooking equipment and appliances such as patio heaters and barbecues.
LPG is pressurised to allow it to be transported and stored in portable cylinders, which changes it into a liquid and means large amounts can be carried in relatively small containers.
How can LPG equipment be used safely?
LPG is colourless and does not have any natural odour, but the fact that it is often used in hazardous situations means that it often has an agent added during its production to give it a pungent smell.
It is highly flammable and, if leaked, LPG can linger in poorly ventilated areas. LPG is also lighter than water and will float on the top of it, meaning that LPG must be stored well away from drains.
It’s also vital to store LPG in areas which are as cool as possible, as the pressure the gas exerts on any vessel in which it’s stored rises along with the temperature of the liquid itself. All LPG equipment must be kept away from other external heat sources.
LPG can attack and perish natural rubber and some types of plastic, so all hoses used in an appliance powered by LPG must be made from materials certified as safe for the purpose.
Finally, LPG produces much more heat than natural gas, so you should only use it in appliances which are designed and made to be used with this specific type of fuel.
How can I tell if the LPG equipment I am using might not be safe?
Provided you are using the fuel in accordance with the above guidelines, you should have no issues with LPG equipment in normal use.
However, you should not use LPG in the following circumstances:
- In any appliance that is more than 10 years old:
We’ll consider equipment such as LPG cylinders, hoses, regulators and changeovers over 10 years old to be ‘aged’, particularly where they’re in poor condition. Aged LPG equipment is considered to present a safety risk. Holiday homes have been known to suffer catastrophic damage as a result of aged or faulty LPG equipment, so protect your investment and your family with a safety check from RJ Martindale. - If there are any signs of internal or external corrosion on the apparatus
A visual check of your LPG equipment may be enough to reveal signs of corrosion, leaks or damage. BHE will carry out a thorough check, examining regulators, changeovers and other equipment and checking that all labels and other safety information is in good order and legible. We’ll also recommend that new and replacement hosing is changed to a rodent-proof material such as steel.
In either of these circumstances, you shouldn’t try to fix the appliance, or interfere with any of the connections to the LPG gas supply. Instead, just call RJ Martindale, your local Gas Safe Registered engineers covering Lancaster, Morecambe, and all surrounding areas, as well as the Bolton, Horwich, Chorley and Preston areas of Greater Manchester.
LPG equipment is used all year round, but is very commonly found in caravans and holiday homes. So, whether you’re a caravan or holiday home owner, or are taking a break in the Lancaster and Morecambe areas this year, keep RJ Martindale’s details to hand, so you can get reliable, proven advice, and help from a Gas Safe Registered engineer qualified to handle LPG gas supplies, appliances and equipment should you have any concerns.
Stay safe using LPG with RJ Martindale’s gas engineers in Bolton, Horwich, Chorley & Preston
As a Which? Trusted Trader, RJ Martindale’s team of gas engineers and plumbers in Bolton, Horwich, Chorley and Preston has over 1000 5 star customer reviews, delivering reliable LPG installations with outstanding customer service.
Fully trained and accredited to work with LPG supplies, our engineers professionally service, repair and care for LPG heating and other systems across the North West.
Access on-the-spot help and advice from our LPG engineer team to safely protect your home or holiday home with professional LPG gas safety expertise that’s trusted by hundreds of North West homeowners and investors.
