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LPG Gas Leaks – What to Do

If you have an LPG gas leak or suspect that you do, you should have it seen to immediately by an LPG specialist. Gas leaks can cause significant damage, and can even be fatal.

Below you’ll find some basic information on gas leaks. Keep in mind that, in an emergency, the best thing to do is to get help as quickly as possible. You can minimise the likelihood of leaks by having your system regularly maintained at an LPG service centre like Auto Edge.

You’ll find some basic information here but the best thing to do is get help as quickly as possible.

How to Identify a Leak:

  • You detect a foul smell, resembling rotting cabbage
  • You can see ice forming around the top of the LPG container or near the valve

How does an LPG gas leak occur?

Gas leaks can occur from defective rubber seals, a faulty regulator or converter fittings and poor handling of gas parts

Not sure if You Need a LPG Car Service?

Use our 10 point checklist and see how you score.

What are the risks associated with an LPG leak?
LPG contains gas, which, under pressure is highly flammable. There are two kinds of health hazards associated with a gas leak:

Hazard#1:   Those occurring due to inhalation of the gas

Hazard #2:   Those occurring due to explosion of the gas if there is a source of ignition

Explosion from LPG can result in serious burns and can cause multiple injuries.

Warning:  The smallest spark or flame can ignite gas fumes and cause an explosion

Contact Us If You Have Any Concerns or Questions About Your Gas Vehicle:

How to Keep Your Car Operating Safely

An automotive LP gas installation needs to be checked from time to time to ensure it has not deteriorated below a safe standard.  Operating faults can be detected by an alert owner or during a random check.  The best approach is to regularly schedule check ups.  That way the chance of not detecting a deteriorating system is significantly reduced.

Annual Check up
Just as you would with your health or teeth, regular safety checks of you LP gas system each year is the best way to avoid gas leaks.  This will ensure that your system hasn’t deteriorated and the various safety devices are operational.  If any leaks, damage or corrosion has occurred then this can be repaired before major damage occurs. When did you last get your LPG system reviewed?

Check Gas Container Date Stamp
When you get your annual check up for your LPG system, ask your repairer or motoring organisation to check the gas container date stamp. If the date stamped is approaching, but isn’t over the 10 year limit before your next regular safety check, it may be able to be reinspected and re-stamped at a certified gas cylinder test station.

In case of a gas leak, if you smell LP Gas in or around your vehicle, take the following precautions:

Personal Protective Clothing
Wear appropriate clothing including long sleeve non-synthetic material shirt,
gloves and safety glasses.

Turn off Ignition
Having your car running if you suspect a gas leak is unsafe so turn off your car as soon as you can. its safe to do so.

Turn off manual service solenoid valve
If safe to do so, turn off the manual service solenoid valve in a clockwise direction.  This is located on the LP gas container.

No ignition source
Ensure that there is no ignition source near the vehicle and do not attempt to re start the engine.

Unsure what to do?
If you are unsure, or the gas leak does not stop, then phone 000.

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR CAR
If the smell does not disappear, DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
Please call us and we’ll come out to assist you (fees apply).

Move to vented area
If safe to do so push your car to a well vented area (also pay attention to potential ignition sources).

Move people away from car
Move people away from the gas smell to a safe location, preferable up wind.

Gas Leak Safety – First Aid

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is an odourless, tasteless, non-visible gas that can be formed when fuels are burned without a sufficient supply of air. It can be produced when appliances are not properly installed, maintained or used; when vent pipes become clogged with debris, have gaps, leaks, spaces and rust-through spots; and when appliances are improperly vented.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide combines with hemoglobin in blood and is pumped around the body. This prevents the blood from carrying oxygen and starves the body tissues. Even small concentrations of carbon monoxide can be lethal.

Some of the symptoms associated with inhaling Carbon Monoxide are:

• Giddiness
• Lack of muscle control
• Semi-consciousness
• Lips, nose, ears and cheeks becoming bright red.

Asphyxiation
If gas escapes and builds up, at the expense of air, in an open area it can have a very quick effect on a person.

Asphyxiation is a lack of oxygen in the blood and the following symptoms may become apparent:

• Faintness
• Weakness
• Partial or complete lack of consciousness
• A sense of well-being and may act aggressively
• Lips and cheeks becoming blue
• All facial features turning blue (the person may be unconscious at this stage)

Resuscitation
Call an ambulance immediately. Move the person to a gas-free area. If you are qualified to do so, begin resuscitation on the person, being careful not to inhale exhausted air from the patient.

The best prevention for Carbon Monoxide and Asphyxiation problems is to have appliances installed properly and periodically inspected and maintained.

If you suspect a gas leak, get help as soon as possible