How am I able to take the gas cylinder(s) home safely from the LPG retailer or DIY shop? As the sale of LPG in cylinders – i.e. propane gas, butane gas or their mixtures – has been booming for some time, increasing numbers of people are asking this question. In this article, we provide the answers, together with tips, tricks and a product recommendation.
How am I able to take the gas cylinder(s) home safely from the LPG retailer or DIY shop? As the sale of LPG in cylinders – i.e. propane gas, butane gas or their mixtures – has been booming for some time, increasing numbers of people are asking this question. In this article, we provide the answers, together with tips, tricks and a product recommendation.
Appliances that use LPG are becoming increasingly popular with private individuals. Whether it is gas-fired barbecues, patio heaters, gas cookers or LPG systems in a motor caravan or caravan – the consumer equipment invariably requires one or more than one gas cylinder. This takes us to the first and most important question:
Generally speaking, transporting LPG cylinders in private vehicles isn’t prohibited. However, there are a few things to consider if the private transport by car is to take place in a safe and proper way. The keywords are: marking, securing of the load, transported quantity!
Before you actually load the gas cylinder(s) in your car, make sure that the tanks have the compulsory white sticker for their marking. They are required by law!
There are a few options, such as securing the gas cylinder with lashing straps or straps, or fixing it in place between the row of back seats and the front seats. This works and is practical, but it also has some disadvantages. If the gas cylinder isn’t completely clean, for example, the dirt will transfer to the car seats.
GOK therefore recommends using the TROLLEY or BASE transport lock for gas cylinders. This is a stable frame to which the gas cylinder can be attached when driving.
The TROLLEY version is particularly convenient. It allows the user to transport the gas cylinder conveniently after their car journey in a similar way to a suitcase, for example. In contrast to the standard BASE version, the TROLLEY version has an infinitely-adjustable pull-out handle as well as castors, and also functions as a transport trolley.
Incidentally, special transport crates for gas cylinders are also available, although these are used less often for transporting LPG and are mainly used for transporting medical gases.
This article includes further important information on what private individuals have to pay attention to before and during the loading as well as during the transport and after the journey.
The gas cylinders can be transported by car in either the lying or standing position. If you use the TROLLEY or BASE transport lock, the gas cylinders will usually be transported in the lying position. Whether it is in the standing or lying position, it is important for the gas cylinder to be adequately secured so that, in the worst-case scenario, isn’t able to roll around in the car or the boot.
If you transport the gas cylinder in the lying position, it should ideally be positioned at a right angle to the direction of travel.
Transporting the “standard household” quantities of one or two gas cylinders doesn’t pose any problems. Private individuals, however, are not allowed to carry a net mass of more than 333 kilograms, although in most cases, it is unlikely that they would ever transport such a weight.
Whether empty or full, the gas cylinder should not be left in the car for longer than absolutely necessary. That means: load the cylinder in your car after you buy it and take it home immediately. Plan things out so that you don’t have to do lots of shopping, pick up your laundry from the dry cleaners or go to an appointment after buying your gas cylinder.
Always make sure that your car’s ventilation system is switched on and that one or preferably more than one of the windows are open. And now that our summer weather is hotter, taking note of protecting LPG cylinders against excessive temperatures has also become more important. In principle, gas cylinders are able to withstand relatively warm temperatures, but it is still important to prevent the occurrence of easily avoidable situations.
Yes, of course. The rules on this form of transport are similar to those for the transport inside a car. Therefore, check the markings on the gas cylinder, check the valves, and secure the valve protection cap and the load effectively. Because there is inherently a sufficient amount of ventilation in a trailer, you can save yourself the trouble of having to open the windows and turn the ventilation up to maximum…
In Germany, the failure to comply with the regulations on the transport of gas cylinders is an administrative offence. It is likely to be similar in other countries. If you fail to transport a gas cylinder properly, regardless of whether it is empty or full, you are liable for a fine of between 25 and 200 euros and will receive a penalty point – depending on the severity of the offence.
This blog will never ask members of the public or unqualified persons to make changes to or fiddle around with technical systems themselves.
In accordance with the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV), a qualified person must take care of a system which requires monitoring.
A qualified person is someone who has the specific specialist knowledge required. This knowledge is gained by way of a professional apprenticeship, corresponding professional experience or current occupational activity.
Please note that the texts are based on information, regulations and standards for Germany. Please always check the rules and regulations in the relevant country of destination and consult specialists if necessary.
