Summary
Always call 000 immediately if there’s a risk to life or property.
This article covers tips for using your LPG bottles, tanks and gas appliances safely at home. If you use LPG at work, head to Workplace safety with LPG.
Useful tips
For storing and using LPG cylinders safely
For storing and using LPG cylinders safely
Always keep gas cylinders in an upright position
If you’re transporting LPG:
never transport more than 9 kg of LPG in your vehicle
keep the cylinder in the boot if you are in an enclosed vehicle
make sure the service valve on the cylinder is tightly closed for transport
Connect and disconnect your LPG cylinders away from naked flames and ignition sources, and replace any cracked or damaged hoses
Store gas cylinders in the shade, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep them away from petrol, flammable liquids and aerosols as well
If your LPG cylinders are dented or damaged, return them to us ASAP (or to your supplier if it’s not us)
Never fill gas cylinders for households with automotive LPG
If you own your own LPG cylinders, get them tested and stamped by a qualified service professional every 5, 10 or 15 years (depending on your cylinder size and type). Note that if:
you own your cylinders and they’re not tested, we won’t fill them for safety reasons
we supply LPG to you using our equipment, we charge an annual equipment fee that covers the cost of purchasing, testing, maintaining and replacing the LPG bottles
For managing your LPG supply
For managing your LPG supply
1. If you’re renovating or changing over appliances
If you’re renovating or installing appliances anywhere near LPG cylinders or tanks, know about the compliance requirements for safe gas bottle and gas bottle exchange installations, and gas refill installations.
If you’re changing over appliances, like your hot water system, air conditioner or oven, your gas fitter will need to provide a certificate of compliance/compliance plate after they connect your new appliance to your LPG supply and do a pressure test.
2. If you need to turn off LPG cylinders or tanks
Our Preparing gas bottles for fire, floods or storms video shows you how to turn your cylinders off and on.
3. If you run out of LPG
If you’re running low and need an urgent delivery, call 13 35 74 or message us and we’ll explain the available delivery options in your area.
Delivery fees may apply to unscheduled deliveries so check your gas levels and make sure your cylinders are turned on before you call.
For leaks, fires and storms
For leaks, fires and storms
1. If you suspect an LPG leak
If you smell gas in your home or street, call 000 straight away, then:
turn off your gas and electric appliances, pilot lights and LPG cylinders straight away
open all doors and windows to help with ventilation, but only if it’s safe to do so
extinguish all naked flames if it’s safe to do so
don’t light matches, or use lighters or open flames
don’t smoke
don’t use electrical appliances or phones and don’t switch on any lights
If you don’t think it’s an emergency, there are other checks you can do. Did you know that if your LPG cylinder is nearly empty, the gas at the bottom may smell stronger, even if the bottle isn’t leaking? You’ll find more info on our LPG safety page.
If you suspect a fault with an appliance or connections, contact a licenced gas fitter to come and check out the problem.
2. If there’s a gas fire
If there’s a fire that poses a threat to you, your family or your home, call 000 immediately. If your clothing catches fire, ‘stop, drop and roll’ until the flames are entirely extinguished.
Here are some fire prevention measures you can put in place:
Get some fire blankets. They’re inexpensive, easy to use and a great addition to your kitchen. By simply pulling the tabs to open the blanket, you can smother a small fire
Consider investing in a small fire extinguisher for your home. Make sure to choose the right type for the intended use. For example, you can choose an extinguisher for your kitchen designed for use on cooking oil and fat fires
Install smoke alarms in your home, and change the batteries in line with the manufacturer’s guide and the requirements of your state or territory – or sign up to service that can do this for you
3. If there’s a storm
If you have LPG bottles at home, make sure:
the chains around your cylinders are tightly fixed during a storm
any portable cylinders outside are fixed in an upright position, away from the threat of strong winds and potential floodwaters
You’ll find more information about LPG flood and storm safety on our website.
For staying safe with gas appliances
For staying safe with gas appliances
Only have a qualified gas professional install and service your gas products
Keep your pressure regulators in a safe condition, free from damage
Light your match or press the ignition button before you turn on a gas burner
Switch off gas appliances when you’re sleeping or leaving home
Your gas burner should only produce a blue flame. If the flame is yellow or red, call a technician immediately
Always keep outdoor gas heaters outside – as well as other appliances meant for outdoors
Only use approved gas appliances and equipment
For BBQs with gas cylinders
For BBQs with gas cylinders
Check for gas leaks before use by spraying soapy water on the connection or hose. Keep an eye out for bubbles
Remove all combustible material from around your barbeque before you fire it up
After you use your BBQ, remove fat and oil when you clean it
Never use your BBQ indoors or in a confined space
If you own your own LPG bottle, get it tested and stamped by a qualified service professional every 5, 10 or 15 years (depending on your cylinder size and type). If we supply your LPG, we’ll take care of the testing. (The annual equipment fee you pay for the service covers this cost.)
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