LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) is a widely used, versatile, environmentally friendly, and reliable energy source for the 4.6 million rural homes throughout Great Britain that do not have access to the mains gas grid.
If handled with care and used correctly, LPG is extremely safe, and at Northern Energy Gas, your safety is our top priority. Whilst gas emergencies are rare, it’s vital to know what to do should one occur – safety begins with awareness.
Prompt action can make all the difference, and being prepared can help you respond quickly and calmly to keep your family and your home safe and sound.
In this blog, we’re going to take a look at how to prevent a leak, what warning signs to look out for, and what you should do if you smell gas and suspect a leak.
Regular checks help keep your LPG – and your peace of mind - safe
Your LPG tank works hard to keep you and your family warm, provide hot water and keep your appliances running.
Whilst your LPG supplier will inspect and maintain your tank regularly, as well as your driver inspecting it when he tops you up, with a bit of regular TLC, you can help keep your LPG storage tank in tip-top condition and reduce the risk of gas leaks. It’s all about keeping your tank and pipework in good shape.
Familiarise yourself with bulk LPG storage tank regulations, get to know your own tank and, if you want to move it, do not attempt to do so yourself. It should only be done by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who will make sure the new location is safe and complies with UK LPG tank siting regulations.
It’s really important your tanks' LPG safety sticker is kept clean and visible at all times – this sticker contains crucial safety information such as emergency telephone numbers, and hazard symbols which emergency responders will need to see so they’ll know what they’re dealing with.
Keep the area around your tank clear from clutter. Keep weeds, leaves, and combustible material well away from the tank, and make sure there’s plenty of ventilation. And in winter, remove snow or ice gently from the tank and valves, but never use open flames or heat sources to thaw frozen pipes
Regularly inspect your LPG storage tank and pipework - check for signs of damage or wear. Look for rust, corrosion, or dents on the tank and pipework. Also, check for any damaged valves, caps or hoses. If you spot anything that concerns you, call your supplier immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
You may wish to consider installing an LPG leak detector, which can provide early warning of a leak before it becomes a serious issue. A good idea for homes where LPG is used!
For more information on the do’s and don’ts for safe LPG storage, click here.
Spot the warning signs
Recognising the early signs of a leak can help prevent serious incidents. So what should you look out for?
A strong pungent smell. Whilst naturally odourless, LPG has an odourant (ethyl mercaptan) added to help detect leaks. The result - a distinctive and unpleasant smell, often compared to rotten eggs or cabbage. If you notice such a smell, don’t ignore it – it’s a clear warning sign that you may have a leak and you need to act immediately.
If grass or plants near to your tank suddenly die with no clear reason, this could also be a sign of a gas leak, as can be hissing or whistling sounds which might be from a leaking pipe or connection, so take action.
Also look out for frosting up – when gas escapes from a bulk LPG storage tank, it rapidly expands and evaporates, absorbing heat from its surroundings. It becomes extremely cold – cold enough to cause cold burns or frost bites if touched. Which is why frost or ice on valves, pipes or regulators can be a sign of a leak.
Often, one of the first indicators of a gas leak is the smell, but some physical symptoms may also be experienced, such as feeling lightheaded, nauseous, dizzy, and experiencing headaches. Again, act quickly, step outside into fresh air and report the issue to your LPG supplier immediately.
Gas leak or Emergency – here’s what to do
First of all, don’t panic, but don’t delay either. Here’s what you need to do if you suspect a leak:
- If it’s safe to do so, close the manual outlet valve on the tank
- Shut off the gas supply at the ECV (emergency control valve), usually located outside the building where the gas supply enters the property
- Turn off all gas appliances inside the property
- Ventilate the area. If the leak is inside, open all doors and windows so the gas can disperse
- Extinguish any naked flames and don’t light new ones
- Do not turn on or off any electrical devices or appliances - this includes light switches. Even turning a light on or off can ignite escaping gas
- Evacuate the area. Ensure everyone stays upwind of the leak and keep vehicles away from the area
- Call 999 in case of fire, ask for the fire brigade and advise them there is an LPG tank on-site so they can respond appropriately
- If anyone experiences symptoms of gas exposure, seek medical help immediately
It's important to remember that LPG is a very safe way to fuel your home. But if you do have a leak, never try and repair it yourself. Diagnosing and repairing an LPG leak properly requires expert knowledge and the right tools. LPG is highly combustible and even a tiny spark can ignite the gas and cause an explosion or fire.
Any work should only be completed by a qualified GAS SAFE registered engineer who will be trained, certified and insured to deal with pressurised systems safely. Do not attempt to turn the gas back on or use any appliances until they have been checked and cleared.
If you have any concerns about your LPG system, get in touch. Our experienced and friendly customer service team is just at the end of the phone and will be happy to help and advise. Call us on 01423 772 789.
Or if you think you have a gas leak or a gas emergency, it's important to contact your LPG supplier straight away.
If you are a Northern Energy Gas customer, contact us during office hours on 01423 772 789, and for out-of-office hours, call our emergency number on 07712 773 230.
Our Top 6 FAQ's About LPG Safety and Leaks
What are the signs of an LPG leak?
Lookout for:
- A strong, unpleasant smell like rotten eggs or cabbage
- A hissing sound
- Dead plants near the tank
- Frost on the tank
What do I do if my bulk LPG tank is leaking?
Act quickly - speed is of the essence but stay calm.
- Shut off the gas if safe to do so. Close the manual outlet valve on the tank and the ECV, usually located where the gas enters your premises
- Ventilate the area - open windows and doors if the leak is inside
- Evacuate in necessary, moving everyone to a safe location
- Extinguish flames and avoid using using electrical switches
- Call your LPG supplier or emergency services
- Never attempt to repair a leaking tank yourself. this should only be done by a GAS SAFE qualified engineer
Why does LPG smell like rotten eggs or cabbage?
In its natural state, LPG is odourless. However, an odourant (ethyl mercaptan) is added as a safety check measure to give the gas it's distinctive stench to aid the detection of leaks. The smell is often likened to rotten eggs or rotten cabbage.
Should I install an LPG leak detector?
It’s a good idea, particularly for homes that rely on LPG. Detectors can provide early alerts before a leak becomes serious, adding an extra layer of safety.
Is it safe to remove snow or ice from my LPG tank?
Yes - but this should only be done with care. Sweep away any accumulation of snow with a broom - never use a shovel as it could harm the tank or its components, and never use a flame to thaw frozen pipes.
Is it safe to paint my LPG tank?
No - it is essential you keep your bulk LPG tank as it is. Your tank is generally owned by your LPG supplier who is responsible for maintaining it. Painting the tank can compromise it's safety and affect its protective coating - it should only done by professionals with strict adherence to safety protocols, and specialised flame-retardant and heat-resistant paint must be used. Plus, the colour of the LPG tank is very important as it keeps the contents cool by reflecting away the heat of the sun, whereas dark colours absorb more heat which could result in a gas escape or even cause an explosion in extreme hot weather.