As with any source of energy, it’s really important to understand how to use LPG safely and responsibly.

Gas leaks and emergencies

Detecting a gas leak

In its natural state, LPG is an odourless and colourless gas. An odourant is added to make it easier to detect leaks – so when you “smell gas”, you’re actually smelling that added odour.

If you can smell gas, check:

Whether any pilot lights on your appliances have gone out
If any burners on your stove are accidentally turned on
The connections to your gas bottle, gas appliances and equipment
If your gas cylinder is close to empty – the gas at the bottom may smell stronger (even if it isn’t leaking).

Managing a gas leak or emergency

Call our 24-hour hotline 1800 808 526 or 000 immediately if you think you have an LPG leak. Turn off all your appliances and gas cylinders straight away.

Until the emergency service technician arrives:

Open up all your windows and doors
Don’t light any matches, lighters or open flames
Don’t smoke
Don’t use any electrical appliances or phones, and don’t switch on any lights.

Learn more about how your business can manage LPG safely

Storms, floods and bushfires

Remember, in any life threatening situation, call 000.

Gas bottles are built with safety in mind, which makes them extremely robust and able to withstand severe conditions. But if you have time, and it’s safe to do so, there are a few things you can do to prepare your bottles in case of fire, flood or storm. This video runs you through the basics.

Learn more about emergencies and outages

Using gas bottles safely

Filling gas bottles

LPG expands when the temperature increases – so you can’t fill a bottle to full capacity. There are Australian standards that set maximum fill levels for LPG cylinders to make sure the gas has spare room inside its container to safely expand and contract.

And remember, you can never fill your household gas bottles with automotive LPG (and vice versa) as they have different chemical makeups.

Learn more about LPG bottles

Testing your LPG cylinders

All gas bottles are required to be inspected and tested to make sure the cylinder is undamaged and safe to use. You can tell when a bottle was last tested by checking the date stamped on its collar, neck or foot ring.

Out of date cylinders can’t be refilled – which is why we may need to replace or collect old gas bottles on your property for re-testing.

LPG compliance requirements

Storing and transporting LPG

Gas bottles always need to be kept in an upright position on a solid base – otherwise they can’t vent properly. And they can’t be stored indoors, in direct sunlight or near an ignition source.

Only smaller gas bottles that weigh 13.5kg or less are safe to transport in your car. They need to be kept upright in your boot or tray, with the valves turned off. In Queensland, gas bottles that weigh 9kg or less must also be fitted with a screw-in plastic plug.

For information on metered LPG safety, the metered LPG consumer safety awareness brochure can be found here