Cylinder Handling & Use

General Advice

  • Do not store or use bottles in the horizontal position. A leak could be very serious and liquid could enter gas lines.
  • Do not drop bottles off vehicles or platforms, as damage to bottles and valves can be caused.
  • Always display safety and operating notices prominently.
  • Don't change or store bottles in the presence of naked flames.
  • Trace leaks using liquid detergent solution, NEVER a naked flame.
  • Never store or use below ground level, as any leakage will collect at low levels. Storage should be well ventilated, preferably outdoors.
  • Don't use tools to operate bottle valves.
  • Propane bottles should not be used indoors for domestic appliances, due to their higher pressure.
  • Always replace safety caps/plugs when the bottle is empty or not in use.
  • Check hoses regularly. Ensure properly secured with hose clips. If hoses are damaged or showing signs of wear, replace them (using hose of correct quality).
     

Emergency Telephone: 0845 7200 100
 

Relevant Legislation

The following legislation may be applicable to the day-to-day activities regarding the handling and delivery of bottled gas:

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

The design, selection, marking and maintenance of lifting equipment such as tail lifts, cranes and fork lift trucks is covered under this legislation. Lifting equipment for LPG cylinders should be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 12 months; any deterioration detected shall be remedied in good time.
N.B: If tail lifts have the potential for lifting people, examinations are required at 6 monthly intervals.

Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

These regulations deal with the safety of work equipment from three aspects.

  1. Its initial integrity;
  2. the place where it will be used; and
  3. the purpose for which it will be used.

The selection of suitable work equipment for particular tasks and processes makes it possible to reduce or eliminate many risks to the health and safety of people in the workplace. Examples of work equipment, applicable to the delivery and handling of LPG cylinders, covered under this legislation are: delivery vehicles, fork lift trucks, cylinder trolleys, load securing equipment etc. These regulations place duties on employers to ensure that work equipment is correctly maintained and inspected, and also that the correct training in the use of this equipment is provided.

Manual Handling Operation Regulations 1992

These regulations impose duties on employers to ensure that, as far as is reasonably practicable, manual handling operations that involve a risk of injury shall be avoided. Employers shall make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of all manual handling operations undertaken by employees. Assistance in the risk assessment of manual handling operations can be obtained from the Technical Department.

The flow chart below shows how to follow the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992:

manual handling legislation

Emergency Telephone: 0845 7200 100