ACT Work Safety has issued a public reminder to check LPG gas cylinder bottles before using or transporting them.
ACT Work Safety Commissioner, Greg Jones said gas bottles should be transported in an upright position and in open air vehicles for optimal safety.
“It’s preferable that gas bottles are transported in open air vehicles like a trailer or ute and secured with straps or in a container in an upright position, never lying down,” Mr Jones said.
“If this is not possible, you can transport gas cylinders in an upright secured position in the boot of your car – never on a passenger seat or in the footwell. It’s also important to wind your car windows down as this provides more ventilation in the vehicle,” he said.
Mr Jones said people should always read manufacturer operating instructions on gas cylinders and never use gas bottles indoors or in confined spaces
“People can quickly and easily check for gas leakage by spraying soapy water on any suspect connection or hose and watch for bubbles. If in doubt, turn off the gas and have a licensed gas fitter attend to the hose or connection,” he said.
“Do not attempt to refill dented, damaged or corroded cylinders. They must be returned to a test station for re-certification.”
Other ACT Work Safety tips offered included:
- Ensure valves are turned off firmly when not in use – do not over tighten.
- Do not connect or disconnect cylinders near a naked flame.
- Do not use LPG in windy conditions.
- Check the rubber Bull Nose or O-Ring of the hose that connects the appliances to the LPG cylinder valve is present and not cracked.
- Use the correct type of hose connection – do not make temporary connections.
- Check for cracked or damaged hoses and/or damaged gas regulators, which may need replacing.
More gas cylinder safety tips can be accessed at this PS News link.
