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Can I use and store gas bottles / cylinders in my home?

Guidance on the use and storage of gas cylinders, portable gas appliances and other flammable substances.

Storing dangerous substances and items


You must not store or use, in or around your home in any garage or shared areas, any dangerous, flammable or explosive substance.

We do not allow bottled gas such as Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and paraffin or portable barbeques in buildings over two storeys high.

Keeping mopeds, motorbikes or equipment driven by a combustion engine inside your home or internal shared areas is not allowed.

It is illegal to store oxy acetylene gas bottles (used for welding) at your home or in any of our properties including garages and outbuildings.

Mobile heaters

Should not be used in:

  • garages as petrol vapour may be present;
  • any room where flammable materials are stored;
  • bathrooms or shower rooms; or,
  • bedrooms, where there are flammable materials such as bed coverings, curtains and soft furnishings.

Always position your mobile heater so it faces towards the centre of the room position it away from chairs, walls and other soft furnishings.

Use a suitable fireguard to provide added protection. Make sure the mobile heater does not restrict your means of escape, should a fire occur.

Never move any heating appliance while it is lit.

Barbecues, portable gas cookers and patio heaters


Never use any of these items indoors.  Always make sure you have the cylinder and valve recommended in the instruction manual supplied with the product. Do not move appliances around when lit.

Gas cylinders - must not be stored in your home

Always:

  • treat cylinders with care, make sure the valve is intact before connection;
  • follow any safety advice and instruction supplied with the cylinder;
  • change cylinders outdoors, switch off and keep away from any sources of ignition such as, naked lights, open fires, cigarettes;
  • wear hand and eye protection if there is a possibility that LPG may escape from a cylinder in normal use as it can cause severe frost burns;
  • lift cylinders with care, as the total weight can be double the content weight shown; and,
  • make sure the cylinder cap is replaced when empty.

Never:

  • subject a cylinder to heat as the pressure inside could build up to exceed the safe limit;
  • store or use cylinders in cellars or below ground level.  LPG is heavier than air and if they leak the gas will collect at low-level and become dangerous in the presence of a flame or spark;
  • store cylinders indoors or in high rise apartments;
  • put yourself at risk.


Regulators

Make sure the correct regulator is fitted in the connection between cylinder and appliance. Follow the manufacturers instructions provided with the  regulator. If a regulator shows signs of wear it should be replaced.

Do not adjust the regulator, as the pressure will have been set to control the pressure of supply. Never try to disconnect a regulator from the switch-on valve if the flame does not go out when the regulator switch is turned off, leave appliance alight and call your local retailer.

Hoses and Tubing

Use flexible hose and tubing approved to BS3212 (type 2 is recommended for barbecue and patio heater applications). If a hose or tube shows  signs of wear it should be replaced. Keep hose and tubing lengths as short as possible and make sure they are secured with proper hose clips.  Keep hoses and tubing clear of ‘hot spots’ and inspect them regularly for signs of wear and cuts.

Appliances

Only buy CE marked LPG appliances.  This mark certifies that a product has met European Union consumer safety, health or environmental requirements. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and labels provided with your appliance and keep them handy for future reference. Keep your appliance clean and service it regularly using competent (Gas Safe registered) installers. This will make sure the appliance is safe, and will burn efficiently  and therefore save you money.

Never try to improvise or adjust your gas appliance in any way. Always ask your retailer for advice. If you allow someone who is not qualified to repair or service your appliance, it would not be safe to use.

If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas and make sure there is no source of ignition nearby. Never use a naked flame to search for a leak.

Examine all pipes and connections. If the leak is not found, turn on the gas supply and brush over the connections with a liquid detergent – it will bubble where there is a leak.

If in doubt contact the retailer.

Emergency Advice - Should a fire occur

  • Immediately raise the alarm and call 999 and ask for the Fire Service.
  • Do not go near the cylinder if there is a fire. 
  • Tell the Fire Service when they arrive where all the cylinders are.

Keywords

gas ; emergency ; barbecue ; BBQ ; garden ; safety ; gas ; grill ; carbon monoxide