Your LPG tank is usually owned by your LPG supplier, who is responsible for its maintenance, as well as regular safety inspections to ensure the tank and associated equipment are functioning correctly and safely. When used properly, LPG is a very safe fuel and there’s lots of safety equipment on your installation to make it safe. The UPSO/OPSO, (UPSO = Under Pressure Shut Off, and OPSO = Over pressure Shut Off) for instance, is a combination of two safety devices designed to shut down the supply of gas to your property if there’s a problem, offering protection from gas leaks, and overpressure in the supply system.
It's also good to familiarise yourself with the do’s and don’ts when caring for your LPG tank to make sure it is kept in tip-top condition and adheres to the codes of practice and guidance from Liquid Gas UK, the industry trade association. So, in this blog, we‘re going to take a look at how to care for your LPG tank so we can continue to deliver your gas safely.
Firstly, our top 5 ‘Do’s’ for LPG tank maintenance
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Avoid clutter and keep the area surrounding your tank clear of rubbish, particularly if it is combustible. Your tank needs to be accessible for your LPG deliveries so your driver can get to the tank safely. Also, your driver must always be able to gain a line-of-sight between both the tanker and your LPG tank. Inspection and maintenance are also a consideration here – keep a 3 metre radius around your tank clear of obstructions or flammable materials. And keep the access route to your property well-maintained and clear for delivery vehicles by cutting back overhanging branches and hedgerows.
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Keep the area surrounding your tank well-ventilated for good airflow. This is to prevent the accumulation of gas in heavier-than-air pockets of vapour if there’s a leak.
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Protect your LPG tank, whether it’s an above-ground tank or a below-ground tank, from damage from vehicles. Driving vehicles near LPG tanks or parking on top of underground tanks, (out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind), can pose a significant risk from sources of ignition and also an impact risk, so ensure vehicles are kept at least 6 meters from your LPG tank to eradicate any risk.
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Notify your supplier if you are planning on making any changes to the area surrounding your tank installation, or you're planning to move the tank. Any fencing must not impede access for maintenance, and if you’re thinking of enclosing your LPG tank with walls or solid fences, these must not be on any more than 2 sides to ensure there’s adequate ventilation. Altering the ground level could affect the tank’s stability. Plus safety regulations dictate that specific distances from buildings and other structures must be maintained and your LPG supplier will be able to offer help and guidance to make sure your installation remains compliant with LPG tank installation regulations.
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Be careful when mowing your lawns or when gardening. Take care not to damage your LPG tank or the inspection hatch, or your pipework when digging. If planting shrubs or tress, ensure they’re at a safe distance to prevent roots form interfering with your tank, and won’t hinder access to the tank.
And on to our top 5 don'ts for LPG tank maintenance
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Do not interfere with your LPG installation – doing so could pose a significant risk. All LPG installations are covered by strict regulations, and it's important that any modifications or repairs should only be carried out by GAS SAFE registered engineers to ensure safety and compliance. Contact your supplier who owns your tank to discuss any changes you may wish to make such as relocating your tank to ensure it is still safe and conforms to domestic LPG tank siting regulations, or to report any issues.
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Do not erect any building or structure such as an outbuilding, shed, garage, or conservatory, or build walls or rockeries, whether permanent or temporary, within 3 metres of your tank, and do not construct any hard standing over an underground tank. Regulations typically specify minimum clearance distances between LPG tanks and buildings and structures so consult your LPG supplier before beginning construction to obtain specific guidance.
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Do not remove your tank’s emergency sticker, cover it up, or interfere with it in any way. The sticker is there to give you important contact information in case of an emergency and removing it or painting over the label can obscure crucial safety information.
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Do not paint your LPG tank or any part of the installation. The colour of your LPG tank is very important. It’s light-coloured to keep its contents cool by reflecting away the heat of the sun. By painting the tank in a darker colour, it will absorb more heat from the sun, and the temperature may rise and increase the pressure inside the tank to a point where the pressure release valve activates. This will result in a gas escape and could cause an explosion.
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Do not make any changes on your property that will direct surface water towards your tank and ensure your tank is at least 3 metres away from any unsealed drains or gullies. If you have an underground tank, it’s important that water does not get into the tank lid as the regulators and valve assembly are contained within this space. If water is allowed to enter into a regulator, it will eventually cause the system to fail. In addition, if a tank lid contains water that has frozen, it can cause the body of the regulator to crack which could cause a gas leak. Remove the risk by regularly checking the lid hatch and removing any water.
Good maintenance is important for safety and efficiency. Always prioritise safety and regulatory compliance by ensuring any changes you make are safe and legal, and don’t interfere with the functioning and maintenance of your tank. Always engage qualified GAS SAFE engineers for any maintenance tasks and follow the advice and guidelines provided by your LPG supplier.
Don’t forget, we’re here to help and just at the end of the phone. If you’re thinking of making changes to your property that may have an impact on your LPG tank, give us a call on 01423 772 789 for help and advice.