Q. LPG - if you smell gas?
A. * If it can be done safely, turn off the gas supply at the cylinder and turn off all gas appliances.
*Remove or extinguish potential ignition sources such as naked flames, cigarettes and electrical devices.
*Do not switch any electrical appliances on or off - this could cause a spark and ignite the gas.
*Open doors and windows to increase ventilation.
*If you cannot stop the leak, dial 111 and ask for the Fire Service.
*Do not reuse any defective cylinder or appliance until it has been tested and declared safe. |
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Q. LPG - Sites with more than 100 Kg in different areas?
A. If your site has more than 100 Kg of LPG in one place, a test certifier must check the location is safe and issue a location test certificate.
If you have LPG in several locations:
*They may be considered separately if they are more than five metres apart; and
*The area between is free of flammable or combustible materials such as waste materials or dry vegetation.
As per "LPG in Industry" information sheets dated September 2011 issued by EPA |
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Q. LPG controls have been reassessed, what are the changes?
A. Changes have occurred in requirements such as:
*Limits have been set for LPG indoors
*Trigger thresholds have changed for some signage requirements
*For 100-300 Kg compliance checks my be performed by the gas supplier once an initial Location Test Certificate has been issued by a Test Certifier for the installation.
For more details go to the EPA website and download the information sheets that have been prepared for LPG uses
www.epa.govt.nz |
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Q. LPG Security?
A. All cylinders over 13 Kg must be securely held in place with chains and/or brackets. To prevent unauthorised access, cylinders with an aggregate quantity in excess of 100 Kg of LPG should be secured in a lockable cage.
As per "LPG in Industry" information sheets dated September 2011 issued by EPA |
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Q. LPG Signage since reassessment?
A. Signs are required if you have:
*More than 50 Kg of LPG inside a building.
*More than 250 Kg outdoors.
*Any quantity in a refrigeration machinery room.
As per "LPG in Industry" information sheets dated September 2011 issued by EPA |
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Q. What are the limits for LPG indoors?
A. Commercial premises that are a standalone building or share one wall with an adjacent premises must not have more than 10Kg of LPG for every 10 square metres of indoor floor area, up to a maximum of 100 Kg.
In all other cases a maximum of 20 Kg of LPG can be located indoors, irrespective of the floor area.
A commercial premises includes a hotel, bar, restaurant, public building, place of worship, shop, office or laboratory.
A factory or warehouse must not have more than 45 Kg of LPG per 50 square metres of indoor floor area, up to a maximum of 180 Kg and with a maximum cylinder size of 45 Kg. Cylinders attached to a forklift truck are not counted. |
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Q. What are the responsibilities of an Approved Handler?
A. An Approved Handler must make sure certain hazardous substances are handled safetly, and that they do not casue harm to people, nor damage to the environment. They will also be expected to provide guidance to other people handling the substances, who are not Approved Handlers, and be available to assist them if needed. |
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Q. What is a Location Test Certificate?
A. Where hazardous substances are held in excess of the specified trigger quantities a hazardous substance location must be established and a Test Certificate obtained. In many ways this is similar to the Dangerous goods Licence. |
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Q. What is an Approved Handler?
A. An Approved Handler is a person who is competent and certified to handle certain hazardous substances. To become an Approved Handler you must meet the requirements of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001. This will be an easy process to follow. |
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Q. When is an Approved Handler NOT needed?
A. Not everyone handling hazardous substances needs to be an Approved Handler. Any person may handle a hazardous substance if an Approved Handler:
*is present at the location where the substance is being handled;and
*has provided guidance to the person actually handling the substance; and
*is available to provide assistance at all times while the substances is being handled. |
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Q. Who is the Person in Charge?
A. The Person in Charge is in control of the place where hazardous substances are present. They could be the owner, lessee, sub-lessee or occupier of the place, location or depot. In effect the person who is in control or possession of the relevant part of the site. The role is similar to the person in control of a workplace under the health and safety legislation, although the HSNO legislation is not confined to the workplace. |
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