At this time of year, many people are thinking about blowing the dust off the home bbq and setting it up on the few days of sunshine that we may be treated to during the spring and summer months.
Without knowing proper storage and handling, bottled LPG can be dangerous to yourself and your property. Read our top tips detailing how and where to store BBQ gas bottles safely and responsibly.
1) STORE CYLINDERS IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION
Handling your gas bottles with care is essential. You should ensure to always store and handle them in a vertical position to prevent them from falling. Another reason for this is the positioning of the pressure relief valve which is there as a safety measure to let a little of the gas out if the pressure inside the bottle reaches a dangerous level. If the bottle is not kept in an upright position, this can affect the way this valve works.
2) STORE GAS BOTTLES OUTDOORS
Any gas bottles must be stored outdoors. If you have limited room outside, then ensure they are stored in a well-ventilated area.
If a gas bottle leaks whilst outdoors, the gas will disperse into the atmosphere however if the gas is stored indoors with poor ventilation it will have nowhere to escape and will fill the room. This can cause poisoning, suffocation or if in contact with a naked flame or spark can explode. If you fail to store your gas bottles appropriately, you risk incurring an accident or fatality as a result of a gas leak.
3) INSTALL A GAS DETECTOR
If you want to be extra careful, Installing a gas detector near your gas cylinder storage is a great idea. This will alarm you in the event of a leak or escaping gas.
4) TRANSPORTING GAS
If you are going camping or transporting your gas bottle from one location to another, there are some steps that you can take to maximise safety:
Ensure that they are secure
Fit a blanking cap to the outlet connection
A 2kg fire extinguisher is required on all vehicles carrying gas
Ensure the cylinder valve is closed
Keep the vehicle well ventilated
Remove any extraneous equipment attached to the cylinder
No open sources of ignition near the gas
Keep your bottles upright
No smoking in the vehicle
5) CHECK FOR ANY WEAR & TEAR
It’s important to check your rubber hoses regularly as these can deteriorate. If there are signs of damage contact a gas expert who can replace the hose with the correct parts immediately. Always keep gas bottles away from any corrosive, toxic or oxidant material.
When storing BBQ and patio gas, it is essential that you do so in a safe and responsible way. As bottled gas suppliers, we want to make sure that you stay safe when you are handling gas. If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact us on 01563 525215.
You can view our range of bottled as here and if you would like to order give our office a phone on 01563 525215