LPG cylinders need to be inspected and tested to confirm they can withstand the working pressure or stress of holding compressed gas.

WorkSafe is issuing a reminder about the dangers of illegal and unsafe liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. The reminder is for businesses and private premises that use LPG.

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LPG cylinders require regular checks and must have a current test date stamp. If the test date stamp is out of date, it is not current.

The test and inspection date is usually stamped into the cylinder collar. Figure 1 shows where to find test and inspection date information on an LPG cylinder.

Under AS 2030.5, workplaces that store or transport gas cylinders must ensure each gas cylinder has a current inspection mark. The mark must be in line with the requirements of AS 2030.5.

Filling damaged or out-of-date cylinders is illegal and can be dangerous. The integrity of the cylinder cannot be confirmed. LPG cylinders out of test date must not be filled until they are tested and restamped. Testing and restamping must be by an approved gas cylinder test station.

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WorkSafe Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.

Standards Australia operates the approved gas cylinder test station scheme. Test stations must comply with the AS 2337 series. The AS 2337 series sets out:

WorkSafe has concerns about unsafe and illegal LPG cylinders in the Geelong and Colac Otway Shire regions. The cylinders have been in commercial and domestic premises.

Suppliers need to use an approved test station for cylinder testing. The test station must be accredited by Intertek SAI Global. Approved test stations inspect and test cylinders in line with Australian Standard AS 2337: Gas cylinder test stations.

Australian Standards set out the requirements and procedures for gas cylinder inspections. They also specify the marks that must be stamped on cylinders that have passed an inspection or test. The marks are unique. They are used to identify and trace cylinders.

Manufacturers and suppliers of dangerous goods have statutory obligations. They include obligations under the Dangerous Goods (Storage & Handling) Regulations 2022 to ensure dangerous goods, including LPG cylinders, are only sold and supplied in compliant packages.

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Illegally altering LPG cylinders or tampering with them damages the cylinders. It can make them unsafe. Carefully inspect cylinders for signs of tampering. If you find signs of tampering or have doubts about the cylinder, contact a reputable gas supply company. The company can exchange the cylinder for one that complies with requirements.

If the test date is not current or the cylinder is damaged, contact a reputable gas supply company. Arrange for the company to exchange the cylinder for a cylinder that complies.

WorkSafe Victoria is committed to safe and inclusive work places, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ communities and their families.