Whilst in the majority of cases, your LPG supplier will own your tank, and as such be responsible for its maintenance and testing, there are still some important things you need to know to help you to keep it in tip-top condition and ensure a regular supply. Whilst LPG is a very safe and efficient fuel when used correctly for heating your home and water, and for cooking, it's essential that you take good care of your bulk LPG tank to ensure that you and your family stay gas safe ay home.
When your LPG tank was first installed, it will have been done so in compliance with the LPG Codes of Practice that cover tank installations. However, over time it can be easy to overlook some of the things that can ensure your tank stays safe.
Each time you have a delivery of LPG, your driver will perform a visual inspection of your tank, carry out safety checks, and also ensure that all safety precautions are followed when filling your LPG tank. But as an LPG user, you do have a responsibility to take good care of your installation. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at the ‘do’s and don’ts’ to ensure you know what you need to do to keep your tank and the surrounding area well-maintained in a safe condition, and compliant with the Codes of Practice governing the safety of your installation.
Get to know your LPG tank
Whilst your LPG supplier will be responsible for carrying out routine maintenance including regular tank inspections, testing, maintenance, and any repairs required due to wear and tear, we’d recommend you get to know your tank.
Whilst you must not interfere with the tank or modify any part of the installation, (which includes painting the tank – a definite no-no as changing the colour can cause the temperature to rise and can lead to a gas escape of even an explosion!), it’s a good idea to inspect the tank for signs of wear and tear, damage or corrosion on a regular basis. By getting to know your tank with regular inspections, you’ll be more likely to spot any changes should they happen.
If you do notice any issues, you must not, under any circumstances, attempt to address and rectify them yourself. Instead, you should contact your LPG supplier immediately. Any remedial work should always be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, which will ensure that the work is carried out properly and safely and give you peace of mind. The Gas Safe Register exists as a list of people and businesses that have the required rigorous training and accreditation to ensure that engineers have the skills, knowledge, and competence to work safely with gas heating systems.
Suspect a leak? Know what to do!
Whilst checking the condition of your LPG tank, it’s also good practice to check out your pipework which, if metallic, can corrode over time. Liquid Gas UK, the Trade Association for the renewable liquid gas industry in the UK, gives guidance on its website on how to perform a safety check of your pipework. Click here to find out more.
Get to know where your safety shut-off valve is – it’s a crucial safety feature that shuts off the LPG supply in case of emergencies and leaks. And familiarize yourself with what to do if you smell gas or suspect you may have a leak, so you know what to do in the case of a fuel emergency. Gas leaks are rare, but you will need to turn off the gas at the safety shut-off valve, close the manual outlet valve on the tank, and turn off all appliances if safe to do so.
If you smell gas during office hours, i.e. Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm and you’re a Northern Energy customer, you can call us on 01423 772 789, or ring our 24 hour emergency number outside office hours.
Keep clear of clutter
To ensure your driver can deliver to your tank safely, reaching it easily and without obstruction, as well as to ensure your engineer can carry out regular tank maintenance, it’s important to keep the area surrounding the tank clear of rubbish. Keep the area free from weeds, clutter, or any flammable material.
If you’re going to use a weed killer, it’s important to choose carefully - you should not use anything that is chlorate-based as this can make dead plants easier to ignite.
The same goes for underground LPG tanks. The area immediately around the tank should be kept clear of debris and vegetation, and under no circumstances should any vehicles be parked on top of the tank.
When planting deep-rooted trees, hedges, or shrubs nearby, make sure they are located at least 3 meters away from the LPG tank and make sure they don’t block access to the tank. And, any visual screening should only be sited on two sides and no closer than one meter from the tank to ensure there’s adequate ventilation to ensure that if a leak were to occur, there is a way for the gas to escape.
Maintain safety distances
We all make changes to our properties from time to time, whether it’s putting up a new garden shed, building a new fence or even constructing a conservatory. When your LPG tank was originally installed, its location will have been determined by its size and the proximity of other buildings and structures. This is for safety reasons for instance to ensure that it would not be affected if a nearby building was to set on fire, and to allow any gas to disperse efficiently in the case of a leak. It also allows for safe deliveries – your driver must be able to have full sight of the wagon when delivering into your LPG tank.
It’s important to maintain this original space, so if you are planning an extension, adding sheds, a greenhouse, or fencing, be mindful of safe distances, and in the case of underground LPG tanks, continuous concrete or tarmac is not acceptable as a ground level finish. Call your supplier to seek their advice prior to making the proposed changes.
Thinking of moving your tank? Don’t DIY!
The first thing to say is do not attempt to move your tank yourself, or try to disconnect it – it’s a complex process and not a DIY task!
It’s important to ensure that if you are planning to move your LPG storage tank, you ensure it is still safe and conforms to domestic LPG tank siting regulations.
Moving your tank should always be carried out by a qualified professional - always use a Gas Safe registered engineer who will ensure compliance with the UK LPG tank installation regulations which cover the storage of bulk LPG. Specialist knowledge and equipment are needed, and a thorough safety assessment must be carried out before, during, and after the LPG tank is moved.
Your LPG supplier will work with you to find a suitable new location and the right professional for the job.
And we’re always here – and will always go that extra mile to offer you help and advice whenever needed to keep you safe and compliant. Or if you're thinking of switching to Northern Energy for your supply of LPG, please do get in touch. Or alternatively your can read our blog on all you need to know about switching your LPG supplier.
You can call us on 01423 772 789 or drop us an email at helplpg@northernenergy.co.uk