Water, energy and environment

Gas safety checklist for catering at outdoor events

When using LPG cylinders for catering for outdoor events, it is important to ensure that the cylinders and other related components are safe and free of faults. It is also important to consider the safety of the location where you use and store gas cylinders.

The checklist on this page is provided to help ensure the safety of the public, yourself and your staff when using gas cylinders at outdoor events.

On this page:

On site gas safety inspections
How to complete the safety checklists
After completing the checklists
Suspecting a gas leak
Using a licensed gas fitter
LPG Cylinder safety checklist
Gas appliances safety checklist
Safety procedures checklist

On site gas safety inspections

Safety auditors from the Office of the Technical Regulator may conduct an on site gas safety inspection without prior notice. Under the Gas Act 1997, serious penalties apply to people who knowingly use unsafe gas installations.

The Technical Regulator reserves the right to demand immediate correction of any unsafe condition.

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How to complete the safety checklists

answer every question that is applicable to your situation - the preferred answers are shaded in green on the checklists
if your answer is different to the preferred answer, you need to take the necessary action to ensure compliance
if you're unsure about the meaning of the question or the answer, contact the Office of the Technical Regulator.

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After completing the checklists

Once you have completed the checklist, keep it for the duration of the event. You may be asked to produce the completed checklist during an on-site safety audit.

If you have an unsafe cylinder, gas appliance or installation, you must use a licensed gas fitter to rectify the fault. You can also get help from the Office of the Technical Regulator regarding LPG safety for your outdoor events.

You must take all necessary action to comply with the safety requirements before the start of the event.

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Suspecting a gas leak

If you suspect a gas leak:

turn off the gas appliances
turn off the LPG cylinders
do not use any ignition source and seek immediate assistance from a licensed gas fitter.

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Using a licensed gas fitter

All gas installations and other gas work must be performed by a licensed gas fitter. Gas fitters must be able to produce a valid licence on request and provide you with a gas certificate of compliance after the completion of any gas work. View the example: gas certificate of compliance (PDF 314KB).

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LPG cylinder safety checklist

Items you need to check	Yes	No	Unsure
Is the gas cylinder damaged, rusty or over 10 years old?
Is the gas cylinder in use outside a caravan or a structure?
Are spare, full or empty cylinders stored outside?
Is any cylinder blocking an exit way?
Are cylinders placed on a flat, level and non-combustible surface?
Are cylinders secured in an upright position with a chain?
Are cylinders kept in a well-ventilated location?
Is the cylinder safety relief valve facing away from the structure?
Is the area shown in the illustration below clear of any ignition sources?

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Gas appliances safety checklist

Items you need to check	Yes	No	Unsure
Are your appliances approved and labelled by a recognised certifying body?
Have the appliances been checked within the last two years by a qualified person?
Have any of the safety devices on the appliances been tampered with?
Do all thermostats and ignition sources, if fitted, work?
Are gas supply pipes and hoses in good condition?
Have the connection joints been tested for gas leaks using soapy water?
Are customers and combustible materials clear of the appliances?
Are there any combustible surfaces within the distances shown below?

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Safety procedures checklist

Items you need to check	Yes	No	Unsure
Do your staff members know what to do in an emergency?
Is a suitable and ready-to-use fire extinguisher available close by?
Has a staff member been trained in exchanging LPG cylinders?