Safety Precautions & Ventilation Requirements

Ventilation

All LPG equipment consumes oxygen and emits carbon dioxide in use so that when using unflued equipment in a confined space it is important that there is ADEQUATE PERMANENT VENTILATION & ADEQUATE FREE SPACE surrounding it. These requirements are laid down in various British Standard Codes of Practice and a summary of the main requirements is given below.

Cylinders

Make sure the cylinder is large enough for your requirements. Cylinders must be sited away from any heat source, in a well ventilated place wherever possible and must stand in a stable upright position. Never put a cylinder in a sewer, culvert or work hole.

Propane cylinders should not be stored indoors. 

Don’t use Propane cylinders indoors except when necessary for work processes and/or for short
periods when Propane cylinders may be used indoors by trades people (e.g. plumbers)

Regulators

Bullfinch appliances should only be used in conjunction with a British Standard regulator. It is important to check that the regulator; a) gives the correct pressure for the appliance, b) is suitable for the gas being used (check also that the gas is suitable for the appliance), c) has a large enough maximum flow for the appliance. For propane cylinders, and for butane cylinders having screwed connectors: Always, before connecting a regulator to a cylinder, ensure that the mating parts are clean, free from dirt and undamaged, and, in the case of butane regulators, check that the washer is in place on the spigot of the connector and is in good condition. The connecting nut of the regulator must be spanner tightened to the cylinder valve. (Note: The thread is left-handed.) For butane cylinders with ‘switch-on’ or ‘clip-on’ connectors: Consult your dealer on the type of adaptor or regulator you require and fit in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Screwed connections

Most screwed connections should be firmly tightened with a spanner. Note that all nuts with notches on the hexagon have a left-handed thread.

Hose and clips

British Standard hose only must be used for passing these gases and it must be securely attached with hose clips to the ends provided. Low pressure hose, (which must show the number BS.3212/1) must only be used for pressures up to 50mbar. High pressure hose (which must show the number BS.3212/2) can be used for all pressure up to 17.5 bar. Hose and clips should be regularly inspected and replaced if worn or damaged.

Leaks

After connecting appliances/regulators, etc., check that there is no leak of gas before using. Propane and butane have a distinctive smell and a leak can usually be detected immediately by this fact. If a leak is suspected, extinguish all naked lights and close the cylinder valve. NEVER look for a leak with a naked flame, but trace it by smell and confirm by brushing leak-detecting fluid (or soapy water) over the suspected joint. Equipment must not be used until any leak is eliminated.

Fire

If a fire develops, try to turn off the cylinder valve, remove the cylinder from the fire and extinguish the fire with a dry compound extinguisher. (Do not use a water jet on a fire of liquid LPG). If this is too dangerous call the fire brigade and move all people from the area.

Turning off

After using a portable appliance it is IMPORTANT a) that the cylinder valve is closed first thus allowing the gas in the system to burn off: b) that any valve fitted to the appliance is then closed to ensure that when the appliance is again used the turning on of the cylinder valve does not allow gas to escape from the appliance before being lighted.

Problems

If you are in any doubt about the operation of the appliance please consult your dealer, or contact us directly.