ELGAS Knowledge Hub

LPG Heater Safety Tips

30 Aug, 2023 | Residential LPG

In this article:

25 easy to follow safety hacks to help you and your family get the most from your LPG heater
Gas Heater Safety tips

LPG heaters are safe, but an unsafe heater could be a fire hazard or produce dangerous carbon monoxide. A crucial LPG heater safety best practice is tuse a gas fitter to service your LPG heater at least every two years to keep yourself and your family safe.

Safe installation

1. Always read your LPG heater owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper set-up and safe operation.

2. Get a licensed Gas fitter to install Fixed gas heaters and bayonets in accordance with the local gas and electrical authority regulations. Do not install built in heaters unless they are designed for that purpose.

3. Choose a gas heater as per your room size and please refer to manufacturer’s specifications before buying your heater.

4. Buy an LPG heater that is certified for use by the Australian Gas Association or SAI Global and look for the attached label or badge when you purchase the heater.

Safe Use

5. Keep children and pets away from gas heaters and so a one metre “Kid Free Zone” is a good idea. Please supervise young children to ensure that they DO NOT play with the appliance.

6. Do not permit children to touch heater controls or move the heater.

7. Turn gas heaters off when unattended and when you go to bed.

8. Never sit on a gas heater.

9. Do not cover or place articles on or in a gas heater.

10. Keep gas heaters at least one metre away from all flammable objects including furniture, drapes, books and boxes and ensure windows covering that can be wind blown into the heater are restrained.

11. Don’t use a gas heater to dry clothing, shoes or other articles.

12. Never place the gas heater where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire.

13. Use gas heaters only in rooms with adequate ventilation. Fixed ventilation must conform to local regulations. Which is why you should never use an outdoor heater indoor. To know more click HERE

14. Never use a portable gas heater in a bedroom, bathroom, toilet, sauna or a room used for sleeping. Certain flued heaters are apt for use in bedrooms, but do check the manufacturer’s specifications before such use.

15. Never use or store flammable liquids or aerosols near a gas heater.

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7. Don’t extent power chords or portable gas heater hoses through a doorway into an adjacent room

18. Do not operate a gas heater in room that is being or has been been freshly painted

LPG Heater Safety and Maintenance

19. Follow manufacturer instruction on perodic inspections. Most manufactures recommend an inspection every two years.

20. Never attempt to disassemble or service the heater yourself. Always use a qualified technician.

21. In the event of damage to your LPG heater’s gas hose or electrical connection, do not operate it until it is fixed by a qualified service person.

22. If your LPG heater has a filter, please clean the filter regularly during heating season so that there is there is proper air flow.

Flued LPG Heater Safety Tips

23. If you have a flued gas heater:

• Be sure that you have it professionally installed by a gas fitter.

• Regularly check the flue for unobstructed venting.

• Insects, birds and animals can build nests in vent pipes, so be sure to inspect your vents.

• If you suspect a problem, call a qualified gas fitter.

Indoor LPG Heater Safety

24. Do not use outdoor gas heaters indoors:

• Outdoor heaters are not safe to use indoor because they require greater ventilation  

• Using outdoor heaters indoors can cause carbon dioxide buildup in the room

• Carbon monoxide can make you dizzy and cause headaches and extended exposure can be fatal.

Never use a gas oven to heat your home.

LPG Heater Smell

25. If you smell gas at any time in your home:

• Check to ensure that there are no flames or sparks.

• Don’t operate light switches, appliances or telephones.

• Leave the area with the doors and windows left open.

• Shut off the gas at your gas cylinder valve(s) by turning clockwise.

• Don’t turn back on until it has been checked by a gas fitter.

• Report the leak to your gas supplier.

• If ELGAS is your gas supplier you can call us on 1800 819 783 from a gas-free location.

• Do not return inside your home until the gas has had time to dissipate.

• DO NOT USE AN ELECTRIC FAN.

• Keep both doors and windows opens because LPG is heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas and basements.

• Get your system checked by your local gas fitter.

For a complete guide on LPG safety download our E-book HERE

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