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    Transporting gas bottles

    Safety requirements for transporting gas bottles

    Basic requirements

    These requirements do not apply to the transport of LPG by private persons for personal or domestic use, however the basic requirements set out below should be followed.

    Any vehicle used to transport LPG cylinders should:
    • Be suitable for the task, of adequate strength and in good condition.
    • Permit the cylinders to be transported in the upright position.
    • Be open (preferred) or have adequate ventilation.

    Drivers and members of the vehicle crew are not permitted to smoke in or near any vehicle that is being loaded or unloaded with or transporting LPG cylinders. Means of ignition i.e. cigarette lighters, lanterns, portable cooking stoves, etc are not permitted to be carried or operated on or in the vehicle.

    Appliances may be carried as long as they cannot be operated whilst they are on the vehicle and their carriage does not present a risk of ignition. Appliances that are boxed or packaged would comply with this requirement.

    Apart from members of the vehicle crew no passengers should be carried (this is a legal requirement if transporting more than 333 kgs (Net) of LPG.

    Carriage in closed vehicles

    Flogas do not recommend the use of closed vehicles (such as vans) for transporting LPG cylinders.

    If LPG cylinders are to be transported in closed vehicles the following requirements and restrictions should be applied:

    If a MAXIMUM OF FOUR cylinders are to be transported:

    • Cylinders should be loaded in a single layer and secured to prevent movement;
    • The cylinders must be upright, with the valve at the top (the outlet connection should be fitted with a blanking cap or plug;
    • Flammable gas danger warning diamonds should be displayed on both sides and the rear of the vehicle;

    If MORE THAN FOUR cylinders are to be transported:

    All of the above apply and in addition;

    • The load compartment must have vents at the front and rear (or positions recommended by the vehicle manufacturer)  to   give a flow of air through the load compartment. The rear ventilation openings should be as low as possible and the total area of the ventilation (divided equally between the front and rear vents) must be a minimum of 2% of the area of the load compartment floor.
    • The maximum recommended net quantity of LPG (in cylinders) carried in a closed vehicle should not exceed 200 kg’s.
    • Gas tight plugs must be fitted to all cylinder valves that do not have a secondary means of closure (FLT type cylinders have a secondary means of closure).
    • Cylinders should not remain in the vehicle whilst stationary for more than 2 hours, unless the ventilation is improved by opening all the load compartment doors etc.

    If there is a smell of gas

    • Do not move the vehicle until the source of the leakage has been found and the vehicle has been declared safe by a competent person.
    • Increase the load compartment ventilation by fully opening all doors and vents.
    • Do not turn on any electrical equipment.

    Carriage of Dangerous Goods regulations

    The regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods vary according to what dangerous goods are being transported, how much is being transported and the gross weight of the vehicle.

    The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 came into force on the 1st July 2009. The following gives a summary of the key points under the regulations applicable to the transport of LPG cylinders – it should be noted that the key changes are the new requirement to carry the ADR ‘Instructions in Writing’, which replace the Tremcard and the way that the dangerous goods being transported are described. If other dangerous goods are being transported at the same time, additional requirements may apply and the 333 kg limit (before the full requirements apply) will be reduced. For example if two 200 litre drums of Diesel oil were to be transported at the same time as the LPG cylinders the maximum amount of LPG that can be carried (before the full requirements apply) will be reduced to 200 kg.

    Loads up to 333kg of LPG

    Loads over 333 kg of LPG

    Loads over 10,000 kg

    Loads up to 333 kg of LPG (in cylinders)

    Drivers must have received adequate instruction and training. This means that drivers must understand the properties and hazards of LPG, the maximum amount they can transport and the actions to take in an emergency, together with their duties under the regulations. Their employer should keep a documented record of all training – LPG specific training can be provided by Flogas.

    All loads should carry correct documentation showing;

    1. The UN number, proper shipping name and class in the format –
      • For Butane – “UN 1011, Butane, 2.1”
      • For Propane – “UN 1978, Propane, 2.1”
    2. The quantity of each size and type (Propane or Butane) of each cylinder carried.
    3. The consignors name and address.
    4. The consignee/s name/s and address/es – if not known insert the words “Delivery Sale”. A 2 kg dry powder fire extinguisher must be carried in the vehicle cab.
    Yellow gas cylinder

    Loads over 333 kg of LPG (in cylinders)

    All loads should carry correct documentation showing;

    1. The UN number, proper shipping name, class and Tunnel Code (unless it is known) the transport operation will not pass through a coded tunnel) in the format –
      • For Butane – “UN 1011, Butane, 2.1, (B/D)”
      • For Propane – “UN 1978, Propane, 2.1, (B/D)”
    1. The quantity of each size and type (Propane or Butane) of each cylinder carried.
    2. The consignors name and address.
    3. The consignee/s name/s and address/es – if not know insert the words “Delivery Sale”
    4. To allow for the transport of out of test cylinders (that may be collected from):

    Passengers must not be carried on any vehicle carrying over 333kg of LPG. Any person other than the driver must be vehicle crew.

    Driver (and any member of the vehicle crew) must carry photographic ID.

    The new ADR “Instructions in Writing” must be carried in the approved format (see pages 23 to 26), these must be reproduced in colour and can be reduced to 2 sides of A4 paper as long as it is still completely legible – if the driver or member of the vehicle crew cannot read English, it should be also available in a language that they can read.

    The “Instructions in Writing” require the following equipment to be carried:A suitable wheel chock.

    2 self standing warning signs (cones, triangles or flashing amber lights)

    A high visibility warning vest or jacket for the driver and each member of the vehicle crew.

    A suitable torch or lamp for the driver and each member of the vehicle crew.

    Protective gloves for the driver and each member of the vehicle crew.

    Eye protection for the driver and each member of the vehicle crew.

    The driver must hold a valid Vocational Training Certificate (commonly called an ‘ADR’ license) covering Class 2 (gases) and dangerous goods other than in tanks. The driver must carry this license at all times whilst transporting dangerous goods and produce it when requested by a Police Officer, HSE Inspector or Goods Vehicle (VOSA) Officer. The driver and any member of the vehicle crew must also have received product specific training – a documented record should be kept of this training.

    All person involved in the carriage of dangerous goods should receive (documented) security awareness training commensurate with their duties and responsibilities.

    Orange hazard plates must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle (must be in the vertical plane, with the long side horizontal) whilst transporting more than 333 kg. The plates must remain in their holders whatever the orientation of the vehicle and folding plates must have secure fastening to ensure that the plates do not fold or unfold in the case of an accident or impact. If the vehicle is towing a trailer the rear plate must be displayed at the rear of the trailer. Plates can be continued to be displayed even when less than 333 kg are being transported, but must be removed or securely covered when no dangerous goods are being transported.

    If you are to transport loads of more than 333 kg of LPG (net in cylinders) you must appoint a qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) – please note that the

    333 kg limit will be lower if you are also transporting other dangerous goods at the same time.

    Flogas can act as the DGSA for contracted (for the supply of LPG cylinders) customers, please contact your account manager for details.

    The transport operation (including cylinder storage) must be security risk assessed.

    Loads over 10,000 kg (net) in Cylinders

    When a vehicle carrying over 10,000 kg of LPG is parked it should be; supervised at all times by a competent person over 18 years old or parked in a secure depot or factory premises. If the above facilities are not available the following (in order of preference) should be complied with:

    1. It is parked in a vehicle park supervised by an attendant who has been notified of the nature of the load and the whereabouts of the driver;
    2. It is parked in a public or private vehicle park where the vehicle is not likely to suffer damage from other vehicles;
    3. It is parked in a suitable open space separated from the pubic highway and dwellings, in a location where the public does not normally pass or assemble.

    Fire extinguisher requirements

    The number of; and minimum size of fire extinguishers which must be carried as a legal requirement is dependant on the gross weight of the vehicle and any trailer.

    All vehicles require an extinguisher for the vehicle cab, which must be adequately secured and readily available within the cab.

    All vehicles which carry over 333kg of LPG also require one or more extinguishers for the load, The minimum number and size is dependant on the size of the vehicle and any trailer.

    Due to the increased safety benefits Flogas operate and recommend a policy of carrying in excess of the minimum legal requirements.

    The table below indicates the minimum legal requirements and the Flogas policy for our fleet. Flogas stockists may wish to consider a similar policy.

    The fire extinguishers for the load must be carried in such a way that they are easily accessible by the vehicle driver or crew and protected from the weather to ensure that their operation safety is not impaired.

    All fire extinguishers must be fitted with a seal to show they have not been used; they should be marked with the compliance to a recognised standard and display the date when they should next be tested (or the last test date and the maximum period to the next test).

    Vehicle typeMinimum legal requirementsFlogas recommend
    All vehicles1 x 2kg dry powder for Cab1 x 2kg dry powder for Cab
    PLUS (for the load)
    Vehicles not exceeding 3,500kg
    (including any trailer)    		1 x 2kg dry powder
    (+Cab = total 4kg)    		1 x 2kg dry powder
    (+Cab = total 4kg)
    Vehicles exceeding 3,500kg & less than 7,500kg
    (including any trailer)    		1 x 6kg dry powder
    (+ Cab = total 8kg)    		1 x 9kg dry powder
    (+ Cab = total 11kg)
    Vehicles over 7,500kg G.V.W
    (including any trailer)    		1 x 6kg plus additional
    4kg dry powder
    (+ Cab = total of 12kg)    		2 x 9kg dry powder
    (+ Cab = total 20kg)

    Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors

    Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) is someone who is vocationally qualified to advise on all matters relating to the transport of dangerous goods. Employers need to appoint a DGSA (qualified for the classes of dangerous goods that they handle if they:

    1. Consign dangerous goods for transport and who load the means of transport themselves;
    2. Are the operators of road vehicles carrying dangerous goods;
    3. Load or unload dangerous goods whilst they are in transit to their final destination.
      There are some exemptions from these rules, which are:
      • If you only transport, load or unload dangerous goods below their respective load thresholds, which is 333kg for LPG.
      • Consignee’s who only unload dangerous goods.

    The key duties of a DGSA can be summarised as follows:

    1. To provide advice on all aspects of transporting dangerous goods;
    2. To monitor compliance with the regulations on the transport of dangerous goods.
    3. To prepare any accident reports relating to the transport of dangerous goods.
    4. To prepare an annual report on the activities concerning the transport of dangerous goods. This is primarily an internal document summarising monitored activities and making recommendations for the future transport of dangerous goods. These reports must be kept for a minimum of 5 years and must be made available to the enforcing authorities upon request.

    The DGSA may appoint others to undertake part of their duties, but this will still be under the direct responsibility of the DGSA. A DGSA may cover a number of operating sites and also sites where a number of different companies are engaged in the transport of dangerous goods.

    Emergency Telephone

    03457 200 100