We take the safety of our customers and whoever may come into contact with our products very seriously. We recommend that you always follow safety instructions.
Calor Gas Cylinder Safety Information
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is a flammable gas and it is heavier than air. It is safe if stored and used properly. LPG has a stench agent added to make it easy to detect in the event of a leak.
Basic Rules
- Calor Butane cylinders (blue) may be used indoors in residential premises, provided the cabinet heater is specifically designed to hold the cylinder. A further maximum of up to 15kg in not more than 2 spare cylinders may also be stored indoors.
- Calor Propane cylinders (red) are for use outdoors. The exception is for commercial and industrial work processes and/or for short periods when propane cylinders may be used inside by trades people, e.g. plumbers. The cylinders must always be stored outside.
- Do not damage or tamper with the valve
- Be sure you have the correct regulator
- Before removing any plug or cap make sure that the valve is closed
- the appliance is turned off
- there is no other source of ignition
- Keep cylinders upright
- Do not store cylinders in cellars
- Do not use propane cylinders indoors
- Do not use in high rise flats where gas is prohibited
- Use a trolley or other suitable device or technique for transporting heavy containers
- Leave valve protections caps (where provided) in place until the container is ready for use
- Only use suitable pressure regulating devices on all containers
- Never use direct flame or electrical heating devices to raise the pressure of a container.
- Containers should not be subjected to temperatures above 45°C.
- Do not use containers as rollers or supports, or for any other purpose
- Keep container valve outlets clean and free from contaminants
- Close the container valve whenever gas is not required
- Replace outlet caps or plugs and container caps as soon as container is disconnected
Storage of cylinders
- Containers should be stored in a well ventilated area.
- Store containers in a location free from fire risk and away from sources of heat and ignition.
- The storage area should be kept clear
- Cylinders should be properly secured to prevent toppling or rolling.
- Avoid storing gas cylinders so that they stand or lie in water.
- Flammable gases should be stored away from other combustible materials.
- Containers held in storage should be periodically checked for general condition and leakage.
High Pressure Gases and Liquefied-Compressed Gases (LPG)
(Drinks Dispense gas, Calor Gas, Helium and Hobbyweld gas cylinders)
The following general practices are recommended for the safe handling and storage of high pressure gaseous and liquefied-compressed gases in transportable containers.
- Only trained persons should handle compressed gases.
- Observe all regulations and local requirements regarding the storage of containers.
- Ensure that gas cylinder valves are kept shut on empty cylinders
- Segregate cylinders by the properties of their gases:
- Flammable
- Oxidising
- Inert
- Do not remove or deface labels provided by the supplier for identification of the container contents.
- Ascertain the identity of the gas before using it.
- Know and understand the properties and hazards associated with each gas before using it.
- Establish and implement plans to cover any emergency situations that might arise. When doubt exists as to the correct handling procedure for a particular gas contact the supplier.
- Do not store LPG cylinders within three metres of other gas cylinders – the use of a firewall reduces the distance to 1.5 metres.
Basic Procedure in case of a Fire
- Don’t try to put out a fire involving LPG – leave it to the fire brigade. It is safer to evacuate everyone from the area. An overheated cylinder or cartridge may explode.
- Dial 999 to call the Fire Brigade, tell them LPG cylinders are involved.
- Tell everybody to leave the premises/area and go to a safe place well away from the installation/cylinders. If you have a fire alarm, activate it.
- A fire involving grass, rubbish, etc, can be tackled with a fire extinguisher or hose reel if it is safe to do so. Always call the fire brigade first.
- In any emergency situation, it is of paramount importance to avoid endangering human life.
- Always approach a fire or leak from upwind. Do not attempt to extinguish a flame unless it is safe to do so.
- Keep all persons, except those necessary to deal with the emergency, at least 60 metres away from the danger area.
Leaking of LPG without Fire
- In the event of a leak, take the following action:
- If it is safe to do so, turn off all appliances and attempt to stop the leak by closing the valve where possible and replacing the plug or cap.
- If the leak cannot be stopped, the cylinder should be carefully removed to a well-ventilated open space clear of drains, buildings and sources of ignition. It should be marked faulty and left with the leak (usually at the valve) uppermost. General access should be prevented e.g. by temporary barriers. Call Calor Gas Emergency Service on 03457 444 999 immediately.
- If the leak is indoors, open all the doors and windows. Do not switch any lights or electrical equipment on or off, as this may cause a spark. Do not smoke.
- If you have a leaking cylinder indoors and it is safe to move the cylinder outdoors, move it to a well-ventilated location where the leaking gas cannot find its way into a building, basements, cellar or drain.
- In no circumstances should anyone attempt to dismantle or repair defective cylinder valves.
Heater Safety
Safety considerations when using a mobile heater
Mobile Heaters should:
- NOT be located so as to restrict means of escape
- NOT have clothes placed over it
- NOT be positioned near to chairs or other furnishings or near to curtains.
- Always face the heater towards the centre of the room.
- NOT BE MOVED WHILST LIT
- Be used with suitable fire guards to provide additional protection
Can my heater produce carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas which can be produced if the mobile heater is not working correctly. It is difficult to recognise as it has no colour, smell or taste. Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to that of a viral infection. It affects mental ability causing a person to become incapable without knowing. We recommend ventilating the room the heater is used in and installing a carbon monoxide monitor.
Symptoms of exposure to Carbon Monoxide
- Tightness across the forehead
- Headache
- Severe headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting
- Coma, intermittent convulsions
- Depressed heart action, slowed respiration
- Severe exposure may cause death
If the mobile heater has any of the following happening, it could be producing carbon monoxide, so switch it off and do not use it again until it has been checked.
Gas BBQ safety tips
What to do
- Ensure you have the right gas bottle for your BBQ
- Check over your BBQ, gas bottle and hose for any sign of damage before use
- Change gas bottles outdoors, away from any sources of ignition
- Make sure that the hose is properly attached and in good condition before igniting the BBQ
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
- Turn off the regulator first after cooking, to ensure any residual gas in the hose is used up
- Clean the BBQ and ensure any fat or oil deposits are removed from the hose and gas bottle before storing them
- Ensure the BBQ has cooled down before attempting to move it
What not to do
- Use a BBQ indoors; including inside a tent or marquee
- Put combustable materials such as umbrellas near a BBQ
- Position the gas bottle under the BBQ – to the side is fine
- Smoke whilst changing the gas bottles or operating the BBQ
- Use a BBQ on unlevel or shaky ground
- Leave the BBQ, hotplate or grill unattended
- Move the BBQ whilst it is alight
- Leave the regulator in the ‘On’ position whilst the BBQ is not in use
