Bulk LPG Uses and Safety

The supplier of LPG normally installs  the tank and fittings and is responsible for their maintenance. Users may retain their tank and change suppliers. Users are responsible for the following : -

The siting of the tank should be at a safe distance from any wall, building etc.. This is called the separation distance and would be known to the supplier. Once installed, there should be no infringement of this distance. As LPG is heavier than air there is a danger of LPG vapour finding its way down gullies or drains from a leak or when filling the tank causing an explosion  or fire. Ideally the tank would not be sited near a gully or drain, however a water trap would be essential. Painting the tank a different colour could adversely affect the amount of heat absorbed from the Sun.
The area around the tank should be uncluttered and well ventillated with no grass,weeds or any rubbish which could combust in case of a leak. Weedkillers that are chlorate based should be avoided as they make the dead weeds more inflammable.
Ensure that there is a dedicated flat, safe area for the tanker when delivering LPG and that only necessary personnel are in that area during transfer. The suppliers of LPG should make sure that their drivers are well trained and follow a safety prcedure that eradicate problems like driving off with the LPG hose still connected.
Disallowing anybody from smoking,cooking,lighting a fire or parking their car anywhere near a tank. The tank should have safety stickers with wording such as  'no smoking', 'highly inflammable' etc as well as stickers with the suppliers emergency telephone number on it in case of a leak.
To avoid the tank being misused the tank should be protected by limiting access to the immediate vicinity of the tank. In the case of tanks over 4 tonnes, a security fence is required. This is normally a mesh fence which allows ventilation.The gates to this fence should be kept locked.
Provide bollards or crash barriers to protect a tank in areas of vehicle movement.
Have an emergency plan for a leak and for a fire which includes evacuating people from the premises. As a rule do not try to tackle a fire unless unless you are sure that you can deal with it without danger to anybody including  shutting off the Emergency Control valve ( ECV), otherwise it should be left to the fire brigade