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Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

INTRODUCTION

The most widely used forms of LPG are propane and butane. In the local authority enforced sector LPG will usually be found in cartridges (non-refillable containers of less than 1.4 L capacity) or cylinders (portable refillable containers up to 150 L capacity). LPG forms a flammable mixture in air between 2-10% by volume.

It is colourless and heavier than air. The main hazards associated with LPG, are fire, explosion and physical effects such as frost burns, asphyxiation and injuries from the manual handling of cylinders.

SMALL SCALE STORAGE & DISPLAY OF LPG AT RETAIL PREMISES

The advice in this section applies to quantities between 15-400kg and where containers do not exceed 20kg capacity. All containers should be regarded as 'full'.

Display and Keeping for use

· Keep away from flammable materials, staircases, exits etc.
· For permanent displays, use dummies only
· Maximum of 5 cylinders kept for display (20 if capacity is less than 3kg) or 70kg total. No more than 4 cylinders should be connected for demonstration purposes.
· Where LPG is used for heating and lighting, access/security and good ventilation (preferably open air) are important considerations. Connection should be via rigid piping, otherwise a limit of 100kg should apply
· For premises linked to residential accommodation, enhanced fire precautions should apply or minimal (15kg) quantities left in the retail area overnight.

HSE leaflet small scale use of LPG

Storage

1. General
· Well ventilated, preferably open air
· No drains, pits, basement areas etc. to be within 2 metres
· Prevent restriction of natural ventilation
· Not below ground level
· Level surface - concreted, paved or compacted
· Prevent vandalism - for quantities in excess of 400kg, use a 1.8m high fence with 2 outward opening gates; for less than 400kg a cage with 1 outward opening gate will suffice.
· Safe distances (minimum separation distances) to be secured between any storage area and property boundary, building, unprotected electrical apparatus, fixed ignition source or access by unauthorised people.
For up to 400kg (without a fire wall) this distance is 1
metre.
· Prohibition on smoking within the separation distance and restricted vehicular access.
· No openings into buildings to be within 2m of an LPG store.
· Electrical equipment to be 'Zone 2' classification.
· Keep flammable, combustible, corrosive, oxidising or toxic chemicals separate (at least 3m away)
· Prominent display of notices i.e. 'LPG Area', 'Flammable',
'No Smoking/ No Naked Lights' and 'Fire Procedure'.
· No litter or weeds (but not to use sodium chlorate
weedkiller).
· Valves uppermost, with protective covers in place.
· Procedures for checking, removing, storing (in open air) any damaged or leaking cylinders.

Guidance Note CS8, 'Small scale storage of LPG at retail premises' also gives recommendations for various situations where LPG could be stored alternatively. These include open air storage against walls or between 2 or 3 walls, on rooftops and indoor storage (separate buildings, within parts of buildings or in cabinets/cupboards).

FIRE FIGHTING/EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Suitable fire fighting equipment should be provided; full advice
should be sought from the Fire Officer. Dry powder type extinguishers should be used. Instruction and training should be
provided for all appropriate employees to include actions in the
event of a leakage and in case of fire.

LPG AT FIXED INSTALLATIONS (i.e. Bulk Storage)

Guidance Note CS5 The storage of LPG at fixed installations -provides a general guide to safe practice in storing and handling

LPG at fixed storage installations where tanks are filled on site.

Matters covered include storage tank location and safety distances; the storage tanks themselves; their piping, valves and fittings; pumps; compressors and meters; vapourisers; electrical considerations; fire protection; operations.

THE KEEPING & USE OF LPG IN MOBILE CATERING UNITS

HELA Circular 52/13 gives extensive advice on the precautions that should be taken to minimise the following:-

(i) the potential dangers associated with fire and explosion
(ii) the potential toxic effects of the products of combustion
(iii) other potential dangers of gas leaks, such as asphyxiation, by:-
(a) safe location of containers
(b) suitable construction and design of equipment/appliances
(c) proper installation and maintenance
(d) adequate ventilation
(e) safe systems of work
(f) adequate fire fighting provision
(g) appropriate training and instruction, together with appropriate signage and emergency procedure notices.

CHECKLIST - LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GAS

1.	Do you use, store or sell LPG at your premises?	YES / NO
2.	Is the quantity of LPG involved less than 400kg in containers of less than 20 kg?	YES / NO
3.	If so, is LPG stored and used safely, e.g. by reference to the recommendations in Guidance Notes CS4 and CS8 regarding location, construction and signage?	YES / NO
4.	If the quantity of LPG in containers exceeds 400kg, are the recommendations in Guidance Note CS4 being followed so as to ensure safety?	YES / NO
5.	If you have LPG in a fixed installation (ie. tank(s)) is it stored and handled in accordance with Guidance Note CS5?	YES / NO
6.	If you operate a mobile catering unit, do you keep and use LPG in accordance with Hela Circular 52/13?	YES / NO

REFERENCES/FURTHER DETAILS

1. HS (G) 51'Storage of flammable liquids in containers (HSE)
2. Book - 'LPG - storage and use, an open learning course' (HSE)
3. HSE Books:
4. LP Gas Association, Pavilion 16, Headlands Business Park,
Salisbury Road, Ringwood, Hants BH24 3PB.
Website:

5. HSE website:

For further information please call (023) 9254 5505, 5506 or 5507 during office hours or call at the Town Hall, High Street, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1EB.

Alternatively e-mail ehs@gosport.gov.uk any time