Transporting LPG cylinders

What are the hazards when transporting small cylinders of LP gas? How do I safely transport small cylinders of LP gas?

Separate and ventilate: Picking up some LP gas for your barbeque? - posters - 1873 Kb

Safety tips for transporting small cylinders of LP gas for your barbecue.

What are the hazards of transporting small cylinders of LP gas?

If LP gas leaks from a cylinder inside a vehicle, it can form an explosive fuel and air mixture. If there is an ignition source, this mixture can then explode and injure, or even kill, the driver and any passengers.

Ignition sources can include electrical equipment in the vehicle such as using a remote locking mechanism, or lighting a cigarette in or near the vehicle.

Ventilation is the key to reducing the risk of fire or explosion inside a vehicle.

Below is the LP gas classification:

  • classification: Flammable Gas Division 2.1
  • UN No.: 1075
  • typically a mixture of propane and butane gases
  • flammability range: ~2.5 to 9.5 per cent in air.

How do I safely transport small cylinders of LP gas?

For LP gas cylinders to be used for domestic purposes such as a barbecue, where possible transport the LP gas cylinders (properly restrained) in a trailer or the tray of a ute.

If this is not possible, the following precautions will help you to transport LP gas cylinders safely:

  • do not transport cylinders exceeding nine kilograms
  • ensure cylinders have a current legible test mark
  • do not carry cylinders in the enclosed boot of a vehicle
  • ensure vehicle windows are wound down for cross-flow ventilation
  • ensure cylinders are in an upright position on the vehicle floor and secured so they cannot move
  • do not smoke in the vehicle
  • remove the cylinder from the vehicle as soon as possible.

Remember—separate and ventilate!

For tradespeople transporting LP gas see Transporting welding and cutting gases.