As a food vendor using Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), you need to make sure your gas installation is safe, this includes the location of the LPG cylinders and regulators.
As LPG vapour is heavier than air - it sinks to the ground where it spreads like water - any gas leak can pose a significant risk if placed too close to the opening of food vehicles, or ignition sources. Mandatory exclusions zones for LPG cylinders in use and in storage will reduce the risk.
OTR inspectors will tag the gas cylinders out of use if they don't meet the below requirements.
Near openings into caravans, vans and food trucks
- Cylinders placed outside the vehicle must be 1000mm away from any openings or vents into the vehicle, when measuring from the centreline of the cylinder.
- The top of the cylinder valve must also measure at least 150mm from the bottom of any opening or vent into the vehicle.
Gas cylinder exclusion zone around vehicle openings and vents
Near ignition sources
Most LPG cylinders and regulators are located on the ‘A’ frame of a catering trailer or caravan where there are generally no ignition sources in nearby. However when performing audits, OTR gas inspectors have found ignition sources next to LPG cylinders.
Ignition sources could include:
- diesel/petrol powered generators
- winches
- batteries
- power points
- A/C compressors
- hot water services
- other gas/electrical appliances
- neighbouring vendors.
The exclusion zone for a regular, portable gas cylinder:
- 500mm above and around the cylinder valve and runs diagonally down to 1500mm from the bottom of the gas cylinder. Similar to the shape of a cone.
- This also applies to any spare cylinders you have stored, that might not be in use.
- See the ignition source exclusion zone diagram below for details.
LPG cylinders can also be stored in a dedicated compartment, but the door vents or drain of the compartment still require a 1500mm clearance from an ignition source.
Ignition source exclusion zone around gas cylinders
Examples of non-compliant installations
Installations like these will be tagged out if the correct clearance cannot be achieved.
A generator positioned too close to cylinders and within the ignition clearance zone.
Power points positioned too close to the cylinders, within the ignition clearance zone.
Hot water service placed too close to LPG cylinders.
