Gas bottle safety & correct transport in vehicles?

[Ross Mackay Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ross Mackay]

We have travelled over 100k throughout Australia including outback tracks in the last 5 years.We have a rooftop camper.The issue is that we always carry 2 small gas bottles in the car on the floor behind front drivers seat.Having read of some events that have happened re- bottles exploding.Question is,where do we carry our gas bottles?

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

Re: gas bootles

See: Guidelines for Gas Cylinder Safety

[Melbo Member Find all posts View Profile Close Melbo]

Re: gas bottles

I carry it on the roof tray

[pete8205 Member Find all posts View Profile Close pete8205]

Re: gas bottles

gday your not meant to transport gas bottles inside a car mainly due to safety concerns if the bottles leak or vent gas inside the car which can create a explosive atmoshere when stored outside the car the gas can vent or leak in a safer place its not something to be scared off just aware along as your bottles are in good condition and you shut them off properly you don't have to much to worry about however if you have an outside storage option use it.

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: gas bottles

I carry it on the roof tray

Same here but sometimes seems a little over the top to chuck my Rhino tray up there (1800x1010) JUST to carry a gas bottle. But then it also gets used for firewood as well.

[getaway ray Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close getaway ray]

Re: gas bottles

As a volunteer fire fighter we have been advised that to carry LPG on your roof rack is extremely dangerous, if you are involved in a collision the cylinder becomes a flying bomb, the extreme situation could see the cylider rupture and explode called a BLEVE (Boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion) the risk of a leak inside a vehicle is minimal in comparison.

[samo Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close samo]

Re: gas bottles

a 9kg gas bottle fits snuggly in a milkcrate, i just stick mine on the roof rack and tie it down with a few straps, or some rhinorack actually make gas bottle holders. cheers samo

[MDS69 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MDS69]

Re: gas bottles

As a volunteer fire fighter we have been advised that to carry LPG on your roof rack is extremely dangerous, if you are involved in a collision the cylinder becomes a flying bomb, the extreme situation could see the cylider rupture and explode called a BLEVE (Boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion) the risk of a leak inside a vehicle is minimal in comparison.

I think I would take the risk of transporting it on the roof. The extreme situation you describe is valid however my extreme situation is whilst you say the chance of a leak inside a vehicle is minimal the chance of it becoming a missile inside the vehicle and hitting someone or being damaged or receiving damage from the actual impact eg rear ended is more of a risk

[Trevorm Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Trevorm]

The roof is probably the best of all the poor options available. The point about a BLEVE is not entirely correct. These are incredibly dangerous, but only occur when the vessel has been "boiled" prior to rupture. This will not apply in vehicle accident situations (and if remotely possible will occur wherever the cylinder is in the "burning vehicle".)

[Liftman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Liftman]

All I have is a 4.5Kg bottle which is tied down behind the cargo barrier. A bucket fits neatly over it for protection and is good storage for the bucket.
Have never had any problems with this size in over 30 years of 4WD'ing

[brogers Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close brogers]

Here's a useful and informative link for folk in Queensland. I'm not sure about LPG regulations other states.

http://mines.industry.qld.gov.au/ass...rtransport.pdf

"It is very important that requirements for transporting LPG cylinders in vehicles are
adhered to. The consequences of a fire in a vehicle are considerable for both the
occupants of the vehicle and others using the road. If you are moving house most
carrying companies will not transport gas cylinders. Some gas suppliers operate
an exchange system so that you can surrender a cylinder in one city and obtain a
voucher to receive a replacement in the new city.

Enclosed vehicles
Transporting LPG cylinders in enclosed vehicles poses significant additional risks.
For enclosed vehicles a person must not carry a cylinder of more than 30L (13.5 kg) in size.
9kg cylinders or larger gas cylinders can only be transported in enclosed vehicles for the purposes of getting the
cylinder refilled (or exchanged). In addition no more than two cylinders may be transported at the one time.
When you do have to transport your cylinder make sure it is stored securely in an upright position (so it cannot fall over
or become a projectile), is placed in the boot/tray rather than the passenger cabin, and in a way that avoids excess
exposure to sunlight or heat. Also check that:
• the service valve is turned off
• the safety relief valve is positioned so that any gas release will not impinge on another cylinder
• the cylinder has a current test date (no more than 10 years)
• there is screw plug in the cylinder outlet when not in use

Open vehicles
Under Queensland Transport legislation transportation of more than 250L (i.e. 10 X 9kg or 2 X 45kg cylinders) of Class
2.1 gases (including LPG) classifies as a ’placard load’ and particular signage and safety requirements apply.
However, if no other dangerous goods are being transported at the same time, a primary producer or a tradesperson
may transport up to 1000L (9 X 45kg cylinders) of LPG only before the ‘placard load’ requirements apply. In this case
the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Regulation 2004 obligates gas suppliers not to fill a LPG cylinder if they
are aware that the cylinder will be transported with other cylinders exceeding 250L (i.e. 10 X 9kg or 2 X 45kg cylinders)
and the vehicle does not have relevant dangerous goods code “flammable gas signs’."

More Information
􀂊 “Safety with LP gas cylinders” brochure on DME website http://www.dme.qld.gov.au/mines/gas_safety_1.cfm
􀂊 Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Regulation 2004 http://www.dme.qld.gov.au/mines/legislation_1.cfm
􀂊 6th Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail 1998. Note: The Australian Dangerous Goods
Code (6th Edition) in electronic format only is now available for purchase from CanPrint. You are able to order online at www.canprint.com.au or
call (02) 6295 4422. The seventh addition is available from September 2007. See also
http://www.ntc.gov.au/ViewPage.aspx?...13024004706250 and http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/a...ous/index.aspx
􀂊 Queensland Transport Guide to transporting dangerous goods
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home...ngerous_goods/