Safe use of gas cylinders
When using a cylinder with a low-pressure gas device, use a regulator to control the pressure.
If you're not sure how to do this, ask the manufacturer or your gas supplier.
- Keep cylinders away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Check valves are tightly turned off when not in use.
- Don't use damaged or corroded cylinders.
- Don't use out of date cylinders (refer to Exchanging or refilling cylinders).
- When you've finished using the device, make sure the regulator hose is empty of gas. To do this, turn off the cylinder valve while the gas device is still operating. Then turn off the gas device valve.
Purchasing a new or used refillable cylinder
Ask the retailer to show you the current, legible test mark and confirm that the cylinder they are selling can be legally filled in NSW.
If there is no current legible test mark the cylinder may not be safe to fill.
If you decide to purchase a cylinder without a current, legible test mark, the cylinder will need to be inspected by a certified gas cylinder test station and stamped with a test mark prior to filling.
The test station might charge a fee for inspection and stamping.
Exchanging or refilling cylinders
LPG cylinders can be refilled or exchanged at your local LPG retailer.
- Before you purchase a cylinder or accept an exchange cylinder, make sure it has a valve plug fitted.
- To be refilled, a cylinder must have a valid 10 year stamp. Cylinders with a water capacity of more than 100kg, may be extended to 15 years
- Don't refill your own gas cylinder. Only trained people using special equipment can do this safely.
Transporting cylinders
Transporting gas cylinders in enclosed vehicles can pose a safety risk.
- Carry and store cylinders upright at all times.
- Don't carry a cylinder greater than 9 kg in an enclosed vehicle.
- You can transport up to 2 cylinders (totalling 9 kg or less) at a time in an enclosed vehicle.
- When transporting cylinders, secure them upright in the vehicle, preferably in the boot, with a plug firmly fitted in the POL valve.
Disposing of gas cylinders
You can dispose of cylinders safely at approved gas cylinder test stations, some council recycle centres and some gas suppliers.
Moving gas cylinders
Most removalist companies won't transport gas cylinders.
Some gas suppliers operate an exchange system that allows you to surrender a cylinder in one city and obtain a voucher for a replacement in another city.
To retain a cylinder, have it certified as gas free by a gas supplier or approved cylinder test station.