Gas Care
It’s barbeque season, and we want to make sure you’re having a safe time enjoying & feasting in your outdoor space safely. Here’s a few important safety tips to be mindful for your gas cyclinder and bottles for your BBQs.
Important Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) Safety Tips
- Store gas cylinder in a well ventilated area. These gas bottles should never be stored indoors.
- Use a cylinder sealing plug, or a Gasfuse to reduce danger from leaks.
- Always keep gas cylinder upright.
- Have your gas cylinder safety inspected every 10 years. There should be an expiry date stamp on your gas bottle.
- BBQ gas is not the same as automotive LPG. Never use automotive LPG for your BBQ.
Connecting The Gas Cylinder
- Before connecting the cylinder, inspect the hose, fittings and rubber seals
- If there is any sign of splitting or wear, have the hose replaced
- Make sure all connections are tightened with a spanner and then conduct this simple test:
- Turn the gas on at the cylinder without turning on the barbeque
- Brush soapy water on all the connections
- If bubbles appear, then there is a leak
- Alternatively use a Gasfuse to conduct this test quickly and more thoroughly
- Keep the hose free of knots & kinks
- To prevent gas leaks connect a Gasfuse to cylinder
Gas Leak Test
As part of your overall safety checks, you should make sure that there are no leaks in your gas bottle/cylinder, hose and regulator and hose. An easy check to use is the soapy water leak test.
- Mix a small drop of mild washing detergent or hand soap with water.
- Place soap solution into a spray bottle, or on a dish.
- Switch on the gas bottle without turning on the BBQ.
- Then spray the regular, valve and entire hose assembly up to where it attaches to the BBQ with the soapy water. Or if you’re using a dish of the soap solution, apply with a sponge or brush.
- If a gas leak does occur, you will see bubbles will form. And you will also smell gas.
- Remember to always test the lot every time you re-connect your gas bottle.
- If you discover a leak, please switch off the gas bottle immediately!
- Do not attempt to use the BBQ until the problem is rectified.
Transporting a Gas Cylinder
- Ensure cylinder has been leak tested
- Always keep bottle upright and protected from falling over
- Drive with the windows open
- Do not store cylinder in a plastic milk crate as this may cause static electricity to build up
- Do not light a flame or cigarette close to the cylinder
- Do not leave the cylinder unattended in a vehicle
- Do not expose the cylinder to direct heat or sunlight in a vehicle or exposed area
- Drive slower and with care
Video credit to ELGAS. This video was a Community Service Announcement with tips on keeping safe when using a LPG gas BBQ, sponsored by SWAP’n’GO, Rinnai, Elgas, Australian Gas Association, LPG Australia, and Energy Safe Victoria.
