LPG is the abbreviation or short form for liquefied petroleum gas. Normally, the
gas is stored in liquid form under pressure in a steel container, cylinder or tank. 

The pressure inside the container will depend on the type of LPG (commercial butane
and propane mix or commercial propane) and the outside temperature. The two are
distinguishable from the cylinder. Commercial LPG is normally supplied in our grey
cylinders be the gas distributors whilst Propane Cylinders have a distinguishing red
paint on the top of the cylinder

LPG may leak as a gas or a liquid. If the liquid leaks it will quickly evaporate and form a
relatively large cloud of gas which will drop to the ground, as it is heavier than air. LPG vapours
can run for long distances along the ground and can collect in drains or basements. When the
gas meets a source of ignition it can burn or explode.

Cylinders can explode if involved in a fire.
LPG can cause cold burns to the skin and it can act as an asphyxiant at high concentrations.

In the event that a small of LPG is noted indoor. EXTINGUISH ALL FLAMES immediately.
Close all the gas appliances and cylinders from the regulator. Close the regulator but do not
remove it from the gas cylinder
For indoor leaks, to disperse the gas, open all windows and doors to the outside to ventilate
the gas leak until the smell of LPG is removed. If the source of the gas leak cannot be
determined and the gas smell persist call 112 for emergency services.
Avoid sources of ignition - no smoking, do not turn electrical switches on or off. For large
outdoor leaks (i.e. where there is a smell of gas more than a few meters from the source),
keep people, vehicles and ignition sources away.

Inhaling LPG. Generally speaking inhaling LPG is small quantities is not dangerous
and does not have any long term effects on the body. This does NOT mean that
LPG is a poisonous gas. In other words, symptoms of exposure are directly related
to displacement of oxygen from air, not from any toxicity. Low vapour concentrations
may cause nausea, dizziness, headaches and drowsiness

•  LPG must be stored in adequate location wherein vessels or cylinders are suitably positioned having regard to the relevant codes of practice especially in well ventilated places and never in areas where natural ventilation is not present such as basements.

•  LPG plant must be designed to appropriate standards and be properly installed and commissioned by competent persons

•  Using LPG appliances in confined spaces, such as bathroom, is not recommended.

•  LPG appliances such as gas heaters should never be placed close to flammable materials such as curtains, sofas etc. and must never be left on and unattended.

• Gas installations are fitted with a rubber hose that always have an expiry date printed on the rubber hose. Ensure that hoses are replaced as required.

•  LPG gas regulators should be replaced every ten years

•  Gas cylinders should be stored in a well ventilated place and never in basements or places with no natural ventilation.

• Sound the alarm and summon the fire fighting services by Dialling 112.
• Evacuate all personnel, except those necessary to deal with the emergency, from the danger area (particularly if in path of any cloud).
• Always approach fire or leak from upwind and ONLY if safe to do so.

• Isolate the leaking cylinder(s) and if possible stop the source of the leak.
•  If the leak cannot be stopped remove the cylinder(s) to an isolated area i.e. clear of people, buildings, drains and sources of ignition. The point of leakage should be kept uppermost.

• A small fire from a bottle may be smothered with a wet cloth or dry powder extinguisher, ONLY if it is possible to stop the leak.

•  Cool with water any adjacent cylinder, which cannot be moved to a safe place.
•  Always approach any fire or leak from upwind and using all protection available.