SAFETY IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO US

Our continued commitment to keeping people safe and protecting the environment is reflected in our Health & Safety Environment Policy.

LPG Safety Information

  • LPGas vapour is heavier than air. Any leakage will sink to the ground and accumulate in low-lying areas.

  • Do not store highly combustible material, ignition sources and hot surfaces at ground level or lower than the LPGas vessel or anywhere adjacent to the vessel.

  • LPGas vaporises and cools rapidly. Therefore, it can inflict severe cold burns if spilt on the skin or if some LPGas equipment is touched without protective gloves and goggles being worn.

  • LPGas is non-toxic. It has, however, an anaesthetic effect when mixed with air in high concentrations — the greater the concentration (as available oxygen declines), the greater the risk of suffocation.

  • LPGas is odourless. A stenching agent is added to allow for the detection of LPGas leaks. Never try to detect leaks with a naked flame or other kinds of ignitions.

  • LPGas is flammable like all petroleum fuels. It must be stored away from sources of ignition and in a well-ventilated area.

  • LPGas expands rapidly when the temperature rises. Storage tanks, pipelines and equipment must be protected against the high pressure resulting from liquid expansion with increasing temperatures.

  • LPGas will cause natural rubber and some plastics to deteriorate. Only use hoses and other equipment specifically designed for LPGas.

Bulk Tank Safety Information

Wasaa will ensure that the LPGas tank is in a safe location and that the necessary devices are in place to protect the tank, pipelines, and appliances.

Take care of your installation. You should:

  • Keep any security fences provided for the tank in good condition. Keep the gate(s) locked shut. If there is no fence, keep the tank valve cover closed and keep the keys in a handy place.

  • Keep rubbish and anything combustible far away from the tanks and ensure weeds/grass are kept down. Do not use chlorate-based weed killer, as this can be a fire hazard.

  • Keep vehicles away from the installation.

  • Keep people not involved with the installation far away from it.

  • Do not let anyone smoke or have any electrical equipment, vehicles, bonfires, barbecues, or other ignition sources near the installation. Make sure the ``No Smoking`` signs and any other notices are maintained.

  • Ensure that any above-ground pipework from the tank to the point of use is protected against accidental damage and is supported. Ensure you know the underground route piping takes and avoid putting anything that may damage the pipework or the tank in the ground.

  • Read the operating instructions and the emergency actions carefully. Make sure that everyone on the premises is aware of them.

  • Do not make any modifications, which may affect the installation, e.g., altering firewalls, erecting fences, or installing electrical equipment near the tank. If in doubt, ask Wasaa for advice. The tank must not be painted by anyone other than Wasaa.

  • Only let an Wasaa authorised engineer work on the installation.

Cylinder Safety Information

  • Store gas cylinders in a well-ventilated place, away from open flames, electrical appliances, and power points.

  • Do not store in a cellar or a closed area. The gas is heavier than air and will ``flow`` into low points and collect, causing a flammable mixture.

  • Never store the cylinders near a heat source or in direct sunlight.

  • Always use a hose designed for use with LPGas. The hose should have a maximum length of 2m with clamps at both ends. Hoses should be replaced every two years as they deteriorate over time.

  • When in use, all cylinders must be equipped with pressure regulators explicitly designed for either propane or butane, which will regulate the pressure when temperatures change. Use the correct regulator for the type of gas.

  • Always follow the instructions supplied when connecting the pressure regulator to the cylinder, and do not open the cylinder valve or regulator tap until the pressure regulator is securely attached.

  • Never smoke while connecting the equipment, and do not check for leaks with a flame.

  • Look at the washer of the pressure regulator or valve before connecting each new cylinder. If the rubber looks worn or damaged, replace it or contact your supplier.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

If you smell gas:

  • Turn off the valve of the tank or cylinder.
  • Extinguish all naked flames immediately.
  • Do not operate any electrical equipment and be aware of any equipment that may automatically switch on or off.
  • Open all doors and windows to ventilate the area.
  • Contact your installer or the technician who maintains your appliances.
  • If the leak is on a cylinder, move the cylinder to a well-ventilated outdoor area.
  • Turn off the gas at the main shut off valve of the tank or cylinder.
  • Extinguish all naked flames immediately.
  • Call Wasaa.
  • Restrict unauthorised access to the area.
  • If the leak is on a cylinder, move the cylinder to a well-ventilated outdoor area.
  • Call the fire brigade, advising them it is a leak/fire involving LPGas.
  • For a leak or a fire indoors, get everyone out of the premises.
  • For a leak or a fire outdoors, evacuate all persons from the area and keep upwind of any leak.
  • Call Wasaa.
  • When the fire brigade arrives, inform them of all areas where LPGas is stored (tanks or cylinders).
Gas Leak Indoors

If you smell gas:

  • Turn off the valve of the tank or cylinder.
  • Extinguish all naked flames immediately.
  • Do not operate any electrical equipment and be aware of any equipment that may automatically switch on or off.
  • Open all doors and windows to ventilate the area.
  • Contact your installer or the technician who maintains your appliances.
  • If the leak is on a cylinder, move the cylinder to a well-ventilated outdoor area.
Gas Leak Outdoors
  • Turn off the gas at the main shut off valve of the tank or cylinder.
  • Extinguish all naked flames immediately.
  • Call Wasaa.
  • Restrict unauthorised access to the area.
  • If the leak is on a cylinder, move the cylinder to a well-ventilated outdoor area.
Major Leak or Fire
  • Call the fire brigade, advising them it is a leak/fire involving LPGas.
  • For a leak or a fire indoors, get everyone out of the premises.
  • For a leak or a fire outdoors, evacuate all persons from the area and keep upwind of any leak.
  • Call Wasaa.
  • When the fire brigade arrives, inform them of all areas where LPGas is stored (tanks or cylinders).