LPG Safety

LPG Safety During Cyclones and Flooding

In several regions across Australia, the cyclone season runs from November to April. To help prepare businesses and communities, Supagas has published easy to follow steps to practice LPG safety during flooding and cyclones.

Always follow the directions of Emergency Services personnel who are in control throughout the emergency, which may start with an impacting cyclone and continue throughout and well after the cyclone or flood.

Before the Cyclone or Flood Hits

  • Make sure all LPG cylinders are closed (turn the valve handle clockwise to close the cylinder valve) at the valve on top of the cylinder. Do not disconnect any cylinders unless the LPG cylinder is being removed from danger.
  • Leave cylinders standing upright in the location they were installed. Do not move any LPG cylinders inside buildings, sheds, basements, or vehicles. A damaged LPG cylinder may leak, creating a hazardous gas cloud inside the building or vehicle.
  • If left unrestrained, LPG cylinders will easily move in a cyclone and will be a very buoyant in flood water. They will float away easily. It is essential that all LPG cylinders be restrained by tying them to a nearby fixed structure (building, footing, joist, post, substantial tree, etc) using cables or strong ropes. DO NOT attach cables and ropes to the LPG pigtail connections (copper or flexible pipe).
  • The LPG cylinder neck ring is strong enough to be attached by cable or rope to a fixed structure. An additional cable or rope secured around the middle of a 45kg LPG cylinder body is highly recommended. Never store any LPG cylinder on its side, or upside down.

    • NOTES:

  • For LPG tanks, restraint using cables is essential if deep floodwater is possible as LPG tanks are very buoyant and will readily float away in floodwater, creating a hazard downstream. Contact Supagas for more details.
  • For LPG cylinders stored in cages, it is sufficient to ensure the cage gates are securely locked and secure the cage by tying it to a nearby fixed structure. LPG cylinders in cages are very stable in high winds and are very buoyant in flood water.

    • LPG Safety During the Flooding or Cyclone

  • Be observant of any smell of LPG and if observed, remove any nearby sources of ignition (sparks, flames, electrical devices).
  • Do not attempt to use any LPG tank, cylinder or appliance.
  • NEVER use an outdoor LPG appliance (barbecue, patio or hearth heater) indoors, at any time.

    • After the Cyclone or Flood Has Ended

  • Check all LPG tanks and cylinders to ensure they are still secured. Report any losses to your nearest Supagas Branch. Do not attempt to recover LPG tanks or cylinders from floodwater.
  • Report any smell of LPG immediately to Emergency Services on 000 and Supagas on 1300 651 106.
  • If a gas leak is identified, keep the area clear of people, pets and ignition sources (flames, sparks, smokers, electrical appliances) until the leak can be confirmed, stopped and the area made safe.
  • Leave all tank and cylinder valves closed, until the gas installation can be checked by a gas fitter. (The LPG regulator or pipework may have been damaged by impact or by flood water and will cause a hazard if the cylinder valves are opened).
  • If a cylinder has fallen over, and can be safely reached, stand the cylinder upright and check both the cylinder and valve for damage. Do not use a damaged cylinder.

    • NOTES:

  • If your LPG tank or cylinder is lost or damaged, Supagas will replace it without cost.
  • Do not attempt to recover LPG cylinders from floodwaters or from under heavy vegetation. Hazards may be present in the water or around the cylinders.
  • Do not use a damaged cylinder and report all leaks to Emergency Services on 000 and Supagas on 1300 651 106.

    • Contacts

  • You can contact your local Supagas Branch on 137872
  • Supagas 24 Hour Emergency Line: 1300 651 106 in QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA or 1800 093 336 in WA, NT
  • Emergency Services: 000

    • Rule #1: If You Smell It, Switch if Off!

    LPG is deliberately given a distinctive odour to help people detect a leak. The smell is very strong, somewhat resembling rotten eggs. If you smell gas, switch your gas bottle off immediately.

    LPG is flammable when combined with air and an ignition source. The best way to prevent a fire is to prevent leaks, but beyond this you should consider controlling potential ignition sources at your refilling site, including electrical equipment, open flames, and running vehicles.

    LPG Can Cause Freeze Burns

    LPG is stored in cylinders as a liquid under pressure, but is released as a gas. When it is released its temperature rapidly drops to as low as -42 degrees Celsius. If you come into contact with the gas at this temperature you can suffer a serious freeze burn, much more damaging than a regular heat burn.

    To avoid this, be sure to use the correct procedure and personal protective equipment when changing cylinders. This includes anti-static clothing (long sleeves), thermally insulated gloves, and eye protection.

    Keep Your Cylinders Upright

    LPG expands rapidly from liquid to gas if released from the cylinder. This means that a small liquid leak can quickly fill an area with vapour. Storing cylinders upright ensures that if the pressure inside becomes too high or if there is a leaking connection, only vapour will leak out, not liquid.

    Don't Do Things Yourself

    All fixed LPG installations should be carried out and serviced by a licensed or authorised gas fitter. This includes work in domestic or industrial premises, caravans, and boats.

    Furthermore, you should only use equipment and parts that are specifically manufactured and approved for LPG. This includes the correct type of hose.

    Appliances and fittings should be kept in good condition. Ensure that they are checked regularly for signs of deterioration or corrosion and tested for minor leaks.

    Take Care When Transporting Cylinders

    When transporting cylinders:

  • Ensure cylinders are secured in an upright position.
  • Ensure the cylinder valve is tested for leaks and the valve outlet is plugged off where required before transport.
  • Ensure the cylinder is removed from the vehicle once you reach your destination.

    • How to Safely Replace an Empty Cylinder

    Also, be sure to shut off the cylinder valve before disconnecting the cylinder from the appliance. Likewise, ensure that the appliance isolation cocks are turned off when replacing an empty cylinder.

    In the Event of a Bushfire

    If there is a bushfire approaching, ensure that the area around your gas cylinder is free from flammable materials and that cylinders are upright and in a stable position outside.

    Turn off all gas appliances and gas cylinder supply valves. Be sure to remember all cylinders that you have at home, including with your BBQ or in your caravan or workshop.

    After the threat of a bushfire has passed, it is not yet safe to turn on your cylinders. They must be checked by your gas supplier. This is because there may be non-visible heat damage to cylinders that affect their structural integrity.

    For more information on LPG safety in the event of a bushfire, please visit our Safety page