Propane, butane and cylinder stores

LPG and gas cylinder storage under DSEAR

LPG is heavier than air. It does not drift away, it goes downhill and waits.

Where we find problems

Typical Pembrokeshire sites

Caravan and camping parks with bulk vessels feeding statics. Rural businesses and farms on LPG because there is no mains gas. Pubs and hotels with cellar gas and kitchen LPG. Boatyards and marinas where cylinders come off vessels. Fabrication shops running propane heaters through the winter.

None of these are exotic. All of them are in scope.

Questions

Does a couple of forklift cylinders count?

Yes. LPG is a dangerous substance under DSEAR whatever the quantity, and a cylinder change point is a recognised release source.

Why does LPG matter more than natural gas?

Propane and butane are heavier than air. A leak sinks, pools in low points, and finds drains, pits, basements and cable ducts. Natural gas rises and disperses. That single difference changes where the zones go and where the ignition sources matter.

What separation distances apply?

They depend on vessel size, whether there is a firewall, and what is on the other side of the boundary. Industry codes of practice set the benchmarks and the assessment applies them to your actual layout rather than quoting them at you.

We are a caravan park with bulk LPG. What do we need?

A DSEAR assessment covering the bulk vessel, the distribution, the cylinder store and any appliance rooms, and a fire risk assessment covering the site. They should be written to agree with each other.

Related

Zoning around gas

How zones are set around vessels, valves and change points.

DSEAR in Pembrokeshire

Local sites, parks, farms and marinas.

Industries we cover

Where LPG turns up that people do not expect.

Tell us what you store and we'll tell you where you stand

No charge for the conversation. Most quotes go out the same day.