Using and storing gas bottles safely. Gas bottles are safe when they’re used the right way. Here’s what that looks like, at home or on site.
Keep bottles upright at all times, in use or in storage — lying a bottle on its side risks liquid LPG escaping through the valve.
Storage do’s and don’ts
Keep bottles upright at all times, in use or in storage — lying a bottle on its side risks liquid LPG escaping through the valve. Store them somewhere well ventilated, away from ignition sources. Larger volumes — over 100kg of LPG on a non-workplace site — must be stored outdoors under WorkSafe rules. Smaller bottles, like a 9kg bottle feeding an indoor cabinet heater, are commonly and legally used indoors. If unsure how much can safely be stored or used inside, the EPA’s guidance on storing LPG at home has the exact limits.
Connecting a bottle safely
Connecting a portable appliance — a BBQ, patio heater or cabinet heater — to a 9kg bottle is something you can safely do yourself. Check the regulator and hose for cracks or wear, make sure every connection is tight, and run a soapy-water leak test on any new connection (bubbles mean a leak). Anything beyond a portable appliance — fixed installations, gas fires, hot water systems — needs a licensed gasfitter. Top Gas supplies the gas; a licensed gasfitter handles the fixed installation work.
Testing & re-certification
Every LPG cylinder in New Zealand must be tested every 10 years by an approved testing station — the test date is stamped on the neck ring or collar. A bottle that’s out of test legally can’t be refilled. [FILL: confirm — does Top Gas take in out-of-test bottles and exchange them for certified ones, and is there a fee?]
What to do in an emergency
If you smell gas: turn off the supply at the bottle if it’s safe to do so, put out any naked flames, don’t operate light switches or anything that could spark, and get everyone outside. Call [FILL: 111 if there’s immediate danger; Top Gas on 09 478 9480 for non-emergency leaks or damaged equipment].
WorkSafe NZ “Gas leaks”