Gas Cylinder Safety Precautions: Tips to Follow at Home

Gas is mainly supplied directly to homes through gas pipelines by the gas supply companies. In areas where this facility is not available, homes in the UK use gas supplied in Cylinders or bottles, more commonly known as “bottled gas.” Gas cylinders are generally used in homes for cooking, heating and hot water supply, as well as for some other purposes. Cylindered gas is also used for outdoor purposes, such as camping and outings.

Using gas cylinders in homes, as well as for outdoor activities, needs a certain level of safety measures. The gas itself involves risks, such as fire, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning, for which the landlords and tenants are bound to follow the gas safety regulations. When supplied in cylinders, gas becomes even more exposed to risks, as it involves the storage and handling of cylinders. Similarly, the risk of leaks is also associated with gas cylinders while connecting them to the gas appliances.

So, the risks are a bit more in the case of using gas cylinders, as compared to using gas supplied directly through a pipe network. Hence, households using gas cylinders need to understand the associated risks and precautions they must adopt to prevent any mishap. But before moving on to the safety precautions while using gas cylinders in homes, let’s have a look at the different types of cylinders commonly in use.

Types and Sizes of Gas Cylinders

Gas cylinders come in different types and sizes for domestic use. Depending on the purpose of use, the household has to select the perfect type and size of cylinders. So, a gas cylinder used for domestic and household purposes would be different from the one used for other purposes, such as medical usage. 

Here are some of the most commonly used gas cylinders in UK homes: 

• LPG Cylinders – Liquified Petroleum Gas Cylinder

LPG Cylinders are the most popular type of gas cylinders, frequently used in homes for cooking and heating. These are also used for powering other gas appliances, such as heaters, gas-powered refrigerators and boilers. As the name suggests, the gas supplied in LPG cylinders is in liquid form. Normally, Propane or Butane gas is used in this type of cylinder. LPG Cylinders come in different sizes, such as 3.9 kg, 6 kg or 13 kg, which are mostly used for domestic and outdoor activities.

• Patio Gas Cylinders

Patio gas is another type of LPG, which comes in the Propane gas type. It is commonly used for outdoors and barbecues. The Patio Gas cylinders are of 4.5 kg and 13 kg capacities. These are also used for heating purposes, but these are specifically used for outdoor activities.

• Camping Gas Cylinders

These are specially designed portable gas cylinders for camping, picnics and caravans. These are small, portable and easy to handle cylinders, available in 4.5 and 7 kg sizes. Butane is typically used in these cylinders. 

• Non-Domestic Gas Cylinders

Apart from these common types of gas cylinders used in UK homes, there are a few other types of cylinders:

• Compressed Natural Gas Cylinders (CNG). Less commonly used in homes. These can be used for cooking and heating. Commonly used for industrial purposes.
• Oxygen Cylinders (Medical Gas Cylinders). These are used for medical purposes.
• Specialty / Scientific Experimental Gas Cylinders. These are specially designed gas cylinders used for various purposes such as welding, refrigeration, etc.

Types of Gas Cylinders Based on Material Used 

Traditionally, gas cylinders made up of metal are used in homes, as these are considered safer and shock-resistant. With the advancement in technologies, lightweight gas cylinders made up of Fiberglass material are also gaining popularity, though not very common in UK homes. These are easy to handle, being lightweight. However, they might not be as reliable as the metal cylinders. Currently, fibreglass cylinders are costly as compared to conventional metal cylinders. 

On the other hand, fibreglass cylinders are long-lasting, free from rusting and can be easily transported. 

Gas Cylinder Safety Precautions: Tips to Follow at Home

Once you have understood the types, sizes and usage of different gas cylinders, it is now easy for you to select the most suitable gas cylinder which fulfils your requirements. While using any of the gas cylinders for domestic purposes, the users must follow the standard safety precautions, as summarised here:

1. Store Gas Cylinder Properly

Proper storage of gas cylinders is highly important. Any inappropriate storage may result in mishaps. Consider the following for the best storage of a gas cylinder:

• Always place a gas cylinder in an upright position.
• Store them in a well-ventilated place, like a well-protected open space.
• Never place the gas cylinder near any heat source, such as stoves, radiators or direct sunlight.
• Never store the gas cylinders in confined places or basements. It is important to prevent the accumulation of leaked gas. 

2. Correctly Install the Gas Cylinders

Perfect installation is the key to risk-free usage of gas cylinders. While installing a gas cylinder, the following precautions are required to be observed: 

• Place the cylinder on a flat and stable surface so that it may not fall or roll.
• Preferably, the cylinder should be placed firmly on a stand.
• Use correct and prescribed valves and regulators as specified by the manufacturers.
• Connect the gas appliance tight enough to avoid any gas leaks. 
• Check the joints and connectors for gas leaks. It can be easily done by using a soapy water test.
• Use good-quality pipes and connectors. 

3. Proper Usage of Gas Cylinders

• Use only permissible gas appliances on a gas cylinder. Not every gas appliance is suitable for use with a gas cylinder. Some appliances may need a specific type of gas cylinder. 
• Always turn off the regulator of the cylinder when it is not in use. This is important to prevent gas leaks.
• Every cylinder is designed to hold a certain amount of gas. Never try to overfill the cylinder, as it may result in an explosion. For example, a gas cylinder having a capacity of 13 kg gas, should preferably be filled slightly less than 13 kg. In no case should it be filled with more than 13 kg. 

4. Periodic and Regular Inspection of Gas Cylinders

Regular inspection of gas cylinders is very important, not only to avoid a mishap but also to increase its useful life span. Check the gas cylinder regularly for the following:

• Regularly inspect the cylinder for rust or corrosion. 
• Check connected pipes for any leakage.
• Check regulators and valves for any wear and tear.
• In case of any suspected gas leak, immediately turn off the cylinder
• Ensure timely, regular and periodic maintenance and servicing of gas cylinders and connected gas appliances by a professional and registered gas safety engineer. 

5. Installation of Safety Gadgets

• Install a gas leak detector in the area where gas cylinders are attached to a gas appliance.
• Place a fire extinguisher near the gas cylinder and the gas appliances connected to it.
• Regularly test the safety gadgets to ensure that they are working as expected.

6. General Precautions

• Every gas cylinder has a useful life. Replace it when it reaches its expiration date. 
• Ensure proper disposal of the old gas cylinder. Don’t try to temper it.
• Educate every family member on how to use a gas cylinder. Everyone must be aware of the procedure to turn off the cylinder regulator so that in case of an emergency situation, they may be able to turn it off without creating a panic situation. 
• Always buy a certified gas cylinder from a reputable manufacturer. Avoid using sub-standard cylinders just to save money. 
• Get a basic knowledge about gas safety regulations and strictly follow the guidelines. 
• Adhere to the “Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.”

Quick Recap

• Always use an appropriate gas regulator specifically designed for a particular gas cylinder.
• Keep the cylinders in an upright position, in a ventilated place. 
• Don’t place the gas cylinders near a heat source.
• Regularly check for any possible gas leak.
• Don’t use a gas cylinder that has completed its useful life. Replace the old cylinder without any delay.

Conclusion

A gas cylinder is quite a useful option for both domestic as well as outdoor usage. It is even more useful for households where a direct gas supply is not available. Despite being convenient for domestic and outdoor activities, a certain level of risk is also associated with the gas cylinders, especially in their handling and storage. In addition to that, the potential risks associated with usage of gas are also associated the gas cylinders, such as fire, explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Hence, the gas safety protocols are equally applicable to households where gas cylinders are used for cooking, heating or any other purposes. Additionally, the households, using gas cylinders must also follow the safety precautions to avoid any explosion or accidental fire eruption.