ELGAS Knowledge Hub

How safe is your LPG cylinder?

30 Aug, 2023 | Residential LPG

In this article:

Everything you need to know about Cylinder safety.
ELGAS Cylinder safety

At ELGAS, all LPG cylinders meet strict Australian standards for safety. Our gas cylinder test station technicians ensure gas cylinder testing and maintenance that meets the highest standards, so you can use LPG stress-free for BBQs, the outdoors, and home and commercial applications.

Testing for home and commercial gas cylinders

There are no set Australian standards for gas cylinder manufacturing, so there are many types of LP Gas cylinders available. However, gas cylinders need to be maintained in perfect working order according to Australian standards. With a SWAP’n’GO network of close to 6,000 retail provider partners in NSW, QLD, and other Australian states, plus ELGAS Australia retail and refill operations, ELGAS takes gas cylinder safety seriously.

Gas cylinders are marked with a date stamp to give you an indication of the next inspection test date. If your gas cylinder is undamaged, it can be refilled any amount of times prior to expiry. After 10 years, your gas cylinder must be inspected at a licensed test station by a certified tester.

BBQ gas cylinder safety, maintenance, and storage

It’s dangerous and also illegal to fill out-of-date or damaged cylinders. The cylinders require LPG gas cylinder testing and re-stamping at an approved test station. If undertaking an LPG conversion for home or commercial use, the installation must be performed by a qualified gas fitter. You will also need to store the gas cylinder in a safe location. ELGAS commercial-sized cylinders are moved and positioned using a forklift. A complete periodic overhaul of an LPG cylinder every 10 or 15 years can include:

  • gas cylinder expiry confirmation
  • degassing
  • internal inspection
  • external inspection
  • valve inspection or replacement
  • new LPG gas cylinder expiry stamp

Checking your LPG gas cylinder level 

There are some gas cylinder testing procedures you can perform yourself, including testing how much gas is left in your cylinder. The easy steps to follow are:

  1. Pour warm water (not boiling water) down the side of the cylinder.
  2. Wait a few minutes.
  3. Run your hand down the side of the cylinder.
  4. It will feel cool to the touch at the level of LPG and you may notice a condensation line.
  5. You now know how much gas is left in your cylinder
  6. Does your cylinder need a refill? Contact ELGAS or visit your nearest SWAP’n’GO retailer

New to LPG? Choose ELGAS.

ELGAS is Australia’s largest LPG supplier and services the LPG energy needs of more than 350,000 homes and businesses. Whether you are looking for LPG for your home, LPG for your business, or SWAP’n’GO for your BBQ, contact ELGAS today!

Gas cylinder testing by yourself vs a licensed testing service

There are some gas cylinder tests that can be safely performed at home. However, LPG is a volatile gas with tremendous power when under pressure, so it makes sense to trust the experts at ELGAS. After the LPG gas cylinder expiry date, cylinder retesting must be performed.

The ELGAS cylinder test station technician will stamp a new inspection date into the neck ring if the LPG gas cylinder is in top working order. Here is a breakdown of some testing procedures involved:

  • A determination that the LPG gas cylinder expiry date has been reached.
  • External gas cylinder testing is performed.
  • The LPG Cylinder is degassed to allow for internal gas cylinder inspection & testing.
  • The old valve is removed and an internal gas cylinder inspection is done.
  • The cylinder neck and valve threads are inspected for any damage.
  • A new LPG gas cylinder expiry date is stamped into the cylinder neck ring.
  • A new valve is installed after the successful completion of gas cylinder testing.
  • Any required refurbishment, including painting, is performed.
  • The cylinder is ready for refilling and return to use.
  • Any cylinders that fail the LPG gas cylinder testing, at any point are condemned and recycled. 

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