Kleenheat Gas

Using Patio Heaters Safely

Outdoor heaters can provide useful heat in any outdoor area in cooler seasons. However, they may pose a risk to property or health when they are not used correctly, or not serviced routinely.

This guide provides an outline of what you need to know, and what you can do to reduce any risk associated with using outdoor heating.

When you use an outdoor gas heater, you should always:

  • check that plenty of fresh air is available
  • ensure that it is not used in a confined space
  • have it serviced regularly
  • follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use

When storing LPG, there are strict rules governing how much LPG can be stored in different locations.

  • 4 kg on a balcony of a house or home unit
  • 9 kg in a shed
  • 2 cylinders of 9 kg each in a restaurant or café
  • Keep cylinders away from heat and ignition sources (power boards, air conditioners, machinery)
  • All LPG cylinders must be used and stored upright at all times, full or empty
  • When the LPG cylinder is connected to a heater, all joins must be leak tested before the heater is used.

Patio Heaters:

  • Very popular on footpaths outside cafes and restaurants, or suspended from a pergola
  • Usually freestanding, some with wheels for improved mobility
  • Stability is gained due to weight of the LPG cylinder in the base (around 20 kg when full, but only 10 kg when close to empty)

Items to check:

  • The heater will throw heat in all directions, so combustible materials must be kept away on all sides and overhead. (The manufacturer will give details in the handbook)
  • Make sure the ground or pavement underneath is very stable and level

Table Top Heaters:

  • A smaller version of a patio heater used on table tops outdoors
  • may be connected to a gas supply (natural gas or LPG) through
  • Flexible hoses that run under the table. Some models have small LPG cylinders inside the base

Items to check:

  • Like patio heaters, heat is thrown everywhere. Combustibles must be kept away, including diners and children!
  • The table must very stable to support the heater (with or without the LPG cylinder fitted in the base).
  • Some heaters are designed to be fixed to the table.

Manufacturers provide useful information on safe use to the user in two ways, the owners handbook, and using stick-on labels on the heater itself.

The owner's handbook can provide detailed information of heater location (as pictured below), also tips for safe and effective use and maintenance requirements of the heater. It is essential that the manufacturer's instructions be followed at all times!

 

Storage of LPG Cylinders – Some Rules

  • Always store LPG cylinders outside, in a secure location, well ventilated away from possible damage (vehicle collision, falling over or vandalism
  • Store LPG cylinders away from other cylinders and drums of chemicals, foods, oils or waste products
  • Keep LPG cylinders away from heat including heaters, cookers / ranges, hot water heaters, hot sun and exhaust ducts
  • Keep all LPG cylinders upright at all times, whether in use or not, and irrespective of whether full or empty
  • All LPG valves must be closed when not in use, even if connected to a heater or appliance.
  • Do not store LPG cylinders inside appliances indoors
  • When an LPG cylinder is connected to a heater, make sure that all joints are leak tested using soapy water. NEVER use a match or flame! NEVER use a leaking heater or appliance

Emergency Procedures for LPG Bottles
LEAK SUSPECTED – LOCATION UNCERTAIN

  • Check the entire system if there is ANY indication of gas leak, such as smell or hiss.
  • Test with soapy water solution, which will bubble at any point where gas
  • escapes. NEVER USE A MATCH OR FLAME TO TEST.
  • Rejoin and test. If the leak has been indoors, fully ventilate the room before further use of the appliance.

LEAK DETECTED - NOT ON FIRE

If possible stop the leak by shutting the cylinder valve.

  • Ventilate the area thoroughly until the air is clear.
  • If it is not possible to stop the leak, remove the cylinder carefully to a safe outdoor location. Keep the leak uppermost so that only gas vapour and not liquid escapes.
  • Keep hands and face clear of any stream of escaping liquid.
  • If the cylinder cannot be removed, disperse gas with fine water spray and provide maximum ventilation.
  • Keep ignition sources at least 20 metres away until the cylinder is empty.

Ignition sources could include non-flameproof electrical appliances, camera flash, telephone, radio, vehicle engines, and any other equipment that can generate a spark.

LEAKING CYLINDER OR APPLIANCE - ON FIRE

If valve is undamaged, close if safe to do so and let the fire go out. Do not use again until inspected.

If valve cannot be closed, call the Fire Brigade or Police or Gas Dealer.

Tell the Fire Brigade:

  • The location of the cylinder or appliance
  • That it is LP Gas
  • Cylinder Size

If there is any possibility of cylinder(s) being engulfed by fire, evacuate the area.

CYLINDER EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT

  • Keep cylinder cool with a water hose, sprayed from maximum possible distance.
  • Remove from heat source only if possible and safe to do so.