LPG regulator safety reminder for holiday parks
Liquid Gas UK is urging holiday and caravan park operators to check LPG regulators on static caravans, holiday homes and communal facilities, warning that ageing or faulty regulators can pose serious safety risks.
Regulators, which control the pressure of gas from cylinders, can degrade over time. Most manufacturers advise replacing them every ten years from the date of manufacture.
“LPG regulators play a vital role in keeping gas appliances safe by reducing the pressure from the cylinder to a suitable level. A failed or aged regulator can cause over-pressurisation and lead to a dangerous gas leak or even explosion if there is a source of ignition,” said Richard Hakeem, Director of Technical and Safety Policy at Liquid Gas UK.
The warning follows an incident at a holiday cottage in Staffordshire where a faulty, aged regulator caused an explosion. With thousands of holidaymakers relying on LPG for heating, cooking and hot water, park owners have a crucial role in ensuring equipment is safe and up to date. Anyone unsure about equipment safety should consult a Gas Safe installer.
Key safety tips include:
- Replace regulators 10 years after manufacture
- Never force a regulator onto a cylinder valve – if it doesn’t fit, it’s not compatible
- Avoid using excessive force on the mechanism
- Never use US POL regulators with UK cylinders – they may look similar, but the
- fittings are different
- Make sure you use an Over Pressure Shut Off (OPSO) device with your regulator.
- Some OPSO’s are built into the regulator.
- Never tamper with or try to adjust non-user adjustable regulators
- Avoid buying or using second-hand regulators.
Full guidance is available in the LPG Regulator Safe Use Sheet.
