Where separate storage compartments are not available, LPG cylinders may be kept outside the unit providing:

  • the cylinders are secured to prevent tampering and in a position where it cannot easily be damaged
  • the cylinders are stored with the valve upright
  • they are stored more than 1 metre away from the unit or any source of ignition.
  • all flexible tubing is kept to a minimum
  • pipework passing through the wall of the vehicle should be protected against abrasion damage by rubber grommets.

All appliances using LPG should be fitted with an accessible shut off valve or tap on the pipework immediately before the appliance.

7.1 Ventilation to the vehicle

Permanent ventilation must be provided at both high and low levels to the vehicle which must not be obstructed by stored items. The minimum area of total fixed ventilation should not be less than 4000mm2.

7.2 Pipework and fittings

All pipework should be as short and accessible as possible and supported as required. Where practicable the pipework should be made of a suitable metal. Suitable metals for pipework are solid drawn copper tube, steel tube or stainless steel tube, used with suitable fitting and jointing compound.

stainless steel tube, used with suitable fitting and jointing compound.

Where flexible hose is used, it is subject to the following restrictions:

  • The length must not exceed 0.5 m.
  • Its use is restricted to where it passes through walls and partitions.
  • Its use is restricted to where temperatures are unlikely to exceed 50circC.
  • It must conform to BS3212 or any other appropriate European Standard, be marked accordingly and be renewed every two years.

7.3 Appliances

Appliances such as grills, hot plates, ovens etc should be:

  • securely fastened to the vehicle
  • not in use while the vehicle is in motion with the gas supply turned off at the cylinder
  • manufactured to a recognised standard
  • be installed, used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers advice.

Every LPG pipe should terminate with a readily accessible shut-off valve or tap immediately before the appliance.

All valves and taps should carry a clear indication of the open and closed positions, or of the direction they must be turned to close them.

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