Gas safety when transporting LP Gas cylinders

What happened?

The Victorian Coroner found that a 2015 truck explosion and subsequent death of its driver was caused by leaking LP Gas cylinders.

How did it happen?

A 24 year old man died in December 2015 when the truck he was driving exploded.

The explosion was caused by three 8.5kg LP Gas cylinders that were being transported in the rear of the enclosed truck. The cylinder valves were not fully closed, as a result, leaking gas filled the enclosed space. According to the Coroner metal objects resting on uncovered batteries caused arcing which ignited the leaked gas.

The LP Gas cylinders were found to;

have partially open valves
have no screwed plugs fitted in the cylinder outlets allowing gas to escape; and
not be restrained to prevent damage.

Key issues

LP Gas can be explosive in nature when it leaks into an enclosed space and is exposed to an ignition source.

The valve outlet was not sealed to prevent LP gas from leaking into the enclosed space.

Transporting gas cylinders in enclosed vehicles can pose a safety risk and is regulated in Queensland by law, under the:

Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004; and
Petroleum and Gas (Safety) Regulation 2018

Recommendations

Moving house:

Most removalist companies will not transport gas cylinders. Some gas suppliers operate an exchange system—you can surrender a cylinder and receive a voucher for a replacement cylinder at the end of your journey.
To retain an empty cylinder, have it certified as ‘gas free’ by a gas supplier or approved cylinder test station.

When transporting gas cylinders:

The Petroleum and Gas (Safety) Regulation 2018 states;

Do not carry a cylinder greater than 9kg in an enclosed vehicle.
You can transport up to 2 cylinders (of 9kg or less) at a time in an enclosed vehicle.
Secure each cylinder upright in the vehicle, preferably in the boot, with a plug firmly fitted in the POL valve.

Storage and maintenance:

Keep the cylinder away from heat and direct sunlight where practicable.
Check the valves are tightly turned off.
Carry and store the cylinder upright at all times.
Insert a POL (Prest-O-Lite) valve plug in the cylinder when you aren’t using it.
Check your cylinder regularly for damage, malfunction and gas leaks.

Exchanges and refills:

Your local LPG retailer can safely refill or exchange your LPG cylinder. Before you purchase a cylinder or accept an exchange cylinder:
Check it is fitted with a valve plug.
Check the cylinder is in date—to be refilled, a cylinder must have a valid 10-year test stamp.

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.