Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) issues

Are bulk LPG storage, LPG cylinder filling and outdoor cylinder storage areas exempt from DSEAR?

No. DSEAR applies to all of the above. The Regulations apply wherever a dangerous substance is present, or liable to be present in a workplace.

I have an outdoor LPG cylinder storage area. Do I need to zone it?

Damage to cylinders can occur during mechanical handling operations. The issue has been discussed with the LP Gas Association and they have published Code of Practice 7 – The Storage of Full and Empty LPG Cylinders and Cartridges. Provided that the outdoor storage area is designed, constructed and maintained fully in accordance with the Code of Practice, HSE accepts that it is not essential to designate the LPG outdoor storage area as zone 2, and so ATEX-compliant vehicles are not needed. Where these conditions cannot be complied with, a zone 2 area may exist.

I have an indoor LPG cylinder storage area. Do I need to zone it?

Damage to cylinders can occur during mechanical handling operations. The issue has been discussed with the LP Gas Association and they have published Code of Practice 7 – The Storage of Full and Empty LPG Cylinders and Cartridges. This guidance requires a site-specific risk assessment to be carried out for internal storage of cylinders, as the zone would depend on a number of factors, including ventilation provision. Where an area has been zoned, suitable ATEX equipment would be required.