LPG cylinders stored and used indoors for cooking

[TickityBoo]

Have been coming across this quite often where LPG cylinders (usually propane) are being stored and routinely used in combination with gas ranges in kitchen areas of butchers shops, cafes/restaurants etc.

Given that LPG is heavier than air (unlike natural gas) and so a leak is less likely to safely disperse and that rubber hose is normally used (sometimes protected, sometimes not), that sources of ignition and heat are present and that ventilation is often quite poor, I feel that this is a serious issue requiring urgent action to remove and replace with mains gas/electricity.  In addition, many of these premises have residential accommodation (flats) above.   However, some might say that this is not a problem as long as a gas safety certificate is held and the rubber hose is sheathed in steel braiding. Interested to hear views on this.

[kurnal]

I tend to agree with you ticketyboo.
It all comes down to principles of prevention. Certainly the storage of spare cylinders in building should not be tolerated and ideally the use of the gas is on a permanent basis and from what sounds to be a fairly large-scale within commercial premises then the cylinders if possible should be sited outside the building and permanent pipework installed in accordance with the gas safety and use regulations. One of the most hazardous times is when changing cylinders and if this is done outside again the risk is reduced.

Many of the gas cylinder suppliers provide really good guidance on how the product should be used. I particularly like that published by flogas, a company near Sheffield and if you look them up on the web you may be able to download a copy.

[Chris Houston]

My personal opinion is this would be unacceptable to have a propane cylinder in the same place where cooking is done. 

I'll bet their property insurers would also be less than impressed.