18 January 2005
LPG cylinders not a major fire risk
Kleenheat Gas would like to reassure all residents that LPG cylinders installed correctly are unlikely to contribute to the South Australian bushfire crisis.
LPG cylinders are only filled to 80% capacity, with the remaining 20% allowing for liquid expansion caused by increases in temperature. If the cylinders increase to more than 50 degrees the standard safety mechanism, a pressure relief valve, will automatically activate enabling excess pressure to escape.
Ed Spencer, Manager Safety and Asset Management with Kleenheat Gas said, “Typically, if the cylinder has been correctly installed there is little risk that is will contribute as a fire hazard. In fact, the 1994 bushfires in NSW saw many houses destroyed with the LPG cylinders still standing and in working order.”
LPG cylinders should be installed outside the home with the pressure relief valve pointing away from the house on a 45 degree angle.
“We would advise that residents take care when approaching cylinders exposed to fire as they could release vapour into the atmosphere and if a source of ignition is close by, a jet flame may be created”
“It is important that residents focus on their homes if it is in risk and not the cylinders, as these are unlikely to be a threat” he said.
Kleenheat Gas have provided a few simple steps for LPG cylinder safety under the extreme conditions of a bushfire:
1. Check that there is no combustible material surrounding the LPG cylinders, such as firewood;
2. Make sure there are no cylinders stored indoors or underneath your house, including BBQ cylinders (4kg and 9kg); and
3. If safe to do so, hose down the cylinder with water to reduce the pressure.
If you are concerned about your LPG cylinder or believe your cylinder installation has been incorrectly installed, please contact the Kleenheat Gas Customer Service Centre on 132 180, 7 days a week.
Kleenheat Gas will arrange collection of the cylinders or re-check the installation, unless access to the property is restricted.
Commercial business can also be assured that Kleenheat Gas are doing their utmost to ensure their businesses continue to run smoothly with limited interruption to LPG supplies.
Media release: 18 January 2005