While summer may have been a bit of a wash out, the UK’s outdoor catering industry is still reaping the benefits of firing up BBQs and alfresco cooking stations up and down the country. With this in mind, the trade association for the LP Gas industry, UKLPG, is reminding businesses to heed safety advice when storing, transporting, handling and using the fuel and cylinders.
700,000 cylinders of LP Gas used every year
With the growing popularity of festivals, sporting events and fetes, as well as the street food sector, the Nationwide Caterers’ Association (NCASS) reports that outdoor catering, worth an estimated £1.3bn, consumes up to 700,000 cylinders of LP Gas a year.
As a result, throughout 2015, NCASS is placing increased importance on LP Gas safety for all mobile caterers so installations are operated safely and within the relevant regulations.
Rob Shuttleworth, chief executive of UKLPG, comments: “LP Gas is an extremely versatile and portable fuel. As Britain’s pre-eminent portable energy for cooking and outdoor catering more and more people are turning to it due to its ability to make heating and cooking outdoors or on the move simple, quick and easy.
“However, it is important that LP Gas is used correctly to avoid any risk from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning to personal injury and damage to property. We’re urging caterers and hospitality professionals to incorporate simple safety checks into their use as all of these risks can be avoided when the proper safety precautions are taken.”
Safety precautions
Cylinders are the principle piece of kit used in outdoor catering. Following these guidelines is vital to ensuring safe usage:
- A full cylinder will weigh about twice the contents weight shown on it so lift cylinders carefully or use a trolley
- Transport, store and use cylinders with their valve uppermost
- Don’t subject cylinders to heat
- Never use propane cylinders indoors
- Restrain large cylinders to stop them falling over
- Always use cylinders in accordance with the supplier’s instructions
- Avoid obstructing access to cylinders
- Return empty gas cylinders to its owner’s nearest stockist, when you no longer require it
Ventilation is key
Alongside safe cylinder use, UKLPG is reiterating that ventilation is key in small enclosed spaces as harmful gas can build up very quickly, causing CO poisoning.
Here are UKLPG’s tips on how to stay safe:
- Tents and awnings are not ‘outdoors’ and are not well ventilated. Only use LP Gas stoves, lights or heaters outdoors
- Don’t use LP Gas appliances near flammable materials, including fabrics and long grass
- Avoid smoking when changing cylinders and cartridges
- Keep LP Gas cylinders and cartridges outside tents
- Plan ahead so you know what the emergency arrangements are on site and how to call for help.
If you have any questions, put safety first and contact your gas supplier.
For more information about UKLPG click here
For more information about NCASS click here