Keep LPG regulator safety top of mind

Installers are being urged to check LPG regulator replacement dates in homes, motorhomes and holiday park appliances.

Although there are stringent UK regulations to keep gas appliances safe, LPG regulators have limited lifespans and can become faulty if not replaced at the time recommended by the manufacturer, which is often every ten years.

Richard Hakeem, director of technical and safety policy, at Liquid Gas UK explains regulators play an important role in reducing the pressure of LPG in the cylinder to the much lower pressure required to run the appliance.

“If a regulator fails, it can lead to over pressurisation of the appliance and an accumulation of LPG, which is a fire or explosion risk if an ignition is present.

“All regulators should have their date of manufacture stamped or marked on them and should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the instructions have been lost or do not give such information the regulator should be replaced not more than ten years after manufacture.”

Mr Hakeem recommends when selecting a regulator, a model with a means of protecting the downstream hose, pipework and appliance from overpressure is used. There are two main devices available; one for residential properties and commercial activities in the UK, and one especially designed for touring caravans and motorhomes built to EU standards.

“The protection mechanism comes into effect in the unfortunate event of a regulator malfunction, so is a key safety consideration,” he says.

These recommendations from Liquid Gas UK follow recent news that an explosion at a holiday cottage in Staffordshire was a result of a faulty, aged regulator. In the UK, approximately 193,000 off-grid homes use LPG as their primary fuel source for heating and cooking and is extensively used in holiday parks and motorhomes for its versatility, efficiency and low-carbon credentials.

“Everyone in the industry has a role to play in raising awareness of best practice and safe use of LPG appliances. When installed and checked regularly, LPG appliances are a fantastic source of heating, cooking and hot water.

“If an installer has any doubt over the safety of an appliance or any queries relating to regulators, we urge you to contact the manufacturer urgently.”

Regulator safety top tips:

• Replace the regulator after ten years from manufacture
• Do not force a regulator onto the cylinder valve if it does not fit easily
• Do not operate its mechanism using excessive force
• Do not use regulators with US POL inlet fittings (designed for use on bulk storage vessels) with cylinder valves (the threads may look the same, but they are different)
• Never tamper with regulators
• Never try to adjust non-user adjustable regulators, they are pre-set by the manufacturer to control the gas supply at the correct pressure, unless you are qualified to do so
• Do not purchase or use a second-hand regulator

For further details and guidance, read Liquid Gas UK’s regulator safe use guidance sheet here.