Petroleum and gas safety alert no. 32 | 02 December 2007 | Version 1
Location of air conditioners
What happened?
There have been a number of cases where electrical devices, particularly the external components of split system air conditioners, have been installed in close proximity to LPG cylinders. These units are defined as ignition sources and are not suitable for the hazardous areas surrounding a cylinder. This alert gives guidance regarding the legally required distances to ensure safety.
Key issues
There are two types of gas cylinder which can be identified by looking at the valve. The pictures show an exchange cylinder valve and an in-situ fill cylinder valve. Note that the in-situ valve has a fitting (with a yellow cap) which allows connection by a tanker. Safety distances for this type of cylinder are larger than for exchange cylinders. The drawing shows the hazardous areas for each type of cylinder.
Recommendations
Air conditioner installers should pay particular attention to the drawing and ensure that air conditioner compressors are located outside the hazardous zone. They may be required to relocate incorrectly positioned units at their cost.
Gas installers should likewise avoid placing cylinders closer than the required distance to air conditioners and other sources of ignition.
Cylinder types and distances required from their valves
- Exchange cylinder - 500mm at top, 1,500mm at bottom
- In-situ cylinder - 1,500mm at top, 3,500mm at bottom
Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.
We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.
Contact: Chief Inspector, Petroleum and Gas gassafe@dnrm.qld.gov.au
Issued by Queensland Department of Mines and Energy
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