Gas cylinder warning issued by WorkCover NSW

WorkCover NSW has issued a warning to all businesses using LPG cylinders to make safety a priority after two fires recently occurred at Sydney service stations.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division John Watson said the service station fires at Newtown and Hoxton Park were the result of suspected unsafe practices when decanting LPG into smaller cylinders, such as those used in barbecues.

“Working with LPG cylinders can be dangerous due to the risk of fire and explosion when cylinders are overfilled or potential ignition sources, such as static electricity, are not controlled,” Watson said.

“In the five years to June 2011, there have been 782 claims for incidents involving gas cylinders.

“There are many things that can go wrong during the decanting process and under NSW work health and safety laws, businesses are expected to take all reasonable and practicable precautions to prevent the risk of injury. 

“Businesses need to provide workers with appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so that the work is carried out in a suitable and safe manner.”

How to prevent accidents from occurring:

• LPG cylinders should be ‘earthed’ while being filled by placing them on the ground on an electrically conducive stand to limit the risk of static electricity buildup from the flow of gas;
• Cylinders should never be left unattended while being filled as this can lead to overfilling and gas escaping;
• Do not use cylinders that are damaged or corroded, have damaged attachments or leaking hoses;
• Decant a safe distance from fuel dispensers, flammable materials, tanks containing dangerous goods, public places, and building entries and exits.

“Although no one was injured in these incidents, significant damage was caused to both properties highlighting the potential for serious injury to workers or the public and damage to surrounding residential and commercial properties,” Watson said.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said since 1 June, firefighters have responded to 64 barbecue fires and 67 leaking or damaged LPG cylinders and hoses, the majority of which were BBQ cylinders.

“By following some simple precautions you can protect yourself and keep other people, properties and bushland safe when firing up the barbecue,” Commissioner Mullins said.

“With the warmer months coming on, check your LPG cylinders and the hoses and if they look old or perished, have them checked by a specialist at your local BBQ, camping or caravan store. For less than $50 you can buy a new hose and regulator and the experts there will ensure your fittings and cylinders are in good order.

“If your BBQ or LPG cylinder does catch fire, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and ensure everyone gets away and stays away from the fire until firefighters have attended and rendered it safe.”

WorkCover has published a safety alert for the decanting of LPG cylinders. Businesses and workers seeking further information on LPG cylinder safety should visit the website or call 13 10 50.