LPG and other gas cylinders are common in kitchens, workshops, heating and outdoor areas. They are safe when well managed, but a leak, damage or poor storage can lead to a serious fire.
Where the risks come from
- Cylinders stored inside or near exits, drains or ignition sources.
- Damaged hoses, regulators or valves.
- Cylinders left in heat or direct sun.
- Unsecured cylinders that can fall.
- Poor ventilation where gas can collect.
- Staff who have not been shown how to change or connect cylinders.
Good practice
- Store cylinders outside where possible, in a secure, well-ventilated place, away from buildings, drains, doors and ignition sources.
- Keep them upright and secured, with valves closed when not in use.
- Check hoses and regulators regularly, and replace damaged ones.
- Keep the quantity on site as low as practical.
- Separate full and empty cylinders and keep different gases apart.
- Know how to shut off the gas in an emergency, and make sure staff do too.
- Use gas only in suitable areas and have suitable extinguishers nearby.
- Follow the supplier’s instructions and use a competent person for installation and servicing.
Your duties
The Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 expect a person in control of premises to take reasonable measures to guard against fire. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 also requires employers to manage risks to staff.
Storing and using gas cylinders safely
LPG and other gas cylinders are common in kitchens, workshops, outdoor heating and temporary events. The gas itself is the problem in a fire: a leak can build up, ignite and turn a small incident into a serious one. Most incidents come from ordinary habits such as poor storage, damaged hoses and cylinders kept indoors.
- Store cylinders upright and secured, in a well-ventilated place and away from ignition sources, drains and cellar openings.
- Keep them away from exits and escape routes. A cylinder store should never be in a corridor, stairwell or in front of a door. See our guide on exit doors.
- Do not keep more than you need inside the building, and keep empty and full cylinders apart.
- Check hoses, regulators and connections for cracks, wear and age. Replace anything damaged.
- Use soapy water, not a flame, to check suspected leaks, and turn the cylinder off at the valve.
- Have installation and servicing done by a competent person.
- Keep heat sources away, including heaters, hot work and sunlit glass.
If you suspect a leak
- Do not operate switches or use a naked flame or phone near the area if you smell gas.
- Turn off the supply at the cylinder if it is safe to do so.
- Open doors and windows and move people away.
- Raise the alarm and call the emergency services if there is any doubt.
What this means for your fire risk assessment
A fire risk assessment should list where gas is stored and used, how it is controlled and what would happen in an emergency. The right fire extinguishers, in the right places, are part of the answer; see our fire extinguisher service page. Where gas is used in temporary structures, see our article on marquees and temporary structures.
Gas supply regulations are specialist and change, so for installation questions speak to a registered gas installer. We help with the fire safety side in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.
Get in touch
A fire risk assessment reviews how gas and other flammable materials are stored and used on your site. Call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie. See choosing the right fire extinguisher and our fire risk assessments in Ireland.
Need extinguishers supplied, checked or serviced? See our fire extinguisher sales and maintenance service, or call 086 275 9728.