ARCHERS - connecting strata communities

Every Australian enjoys the tradition of firing up the BBQ on a sunny day. Whether you're the cook who turns the steak too many times or the person who stands there with a drink in hand telling the chef he is not cooking the meat right, many owners in unit complexes have a BBQ on their balcony and many bodies corporate have community BBQ areas which store flammable materials such as LP Gas.

Gas BBQ's can however be dangerous when gas bottles are not stored or maintained correctly. Recent incidents in Melbourne and more recently the Sunshine Coast have seen gas bottles explode unexpectedly. Luckily the injuries were not severe but the circumstances could have been much worse and when you think of the consequences of a gas bottle exploding in a confined area such as a balcony, you can see the reason for ensuring preventative measures are taken to prevent any issues.  

Most complexes have very strict rules regarding the use and storage of gas BBQ's on balconies and some have even gone to the extent of not allowing them. Please ensure that you check the By-Laws of your complex before going out and buying a brand new BBQ. 

Australian Standard 1596:2002 states that the maximum cylinder allowed indoors (including on balconies) is 12 litres (being a 4.5 kilogram gas cylinder). A community area outside away from a main building is able to use a 9 kilogram gas cylinder.

LPG is heaver than air and if there is a leak in any gas couplings, fittings or hoses the gas will tend to collect in low points and may remain in an area for some time creating a potential fire or explosive situation.  It is important for all Bodies Corporate to follow best practice to show due diligence and reasonable precautions are being undertaken to manage exposure to any risks. Here are some tips to help prevent a potential fire or explosive situation:

• Do not put the BBQ close to combustible materials
• Have a continuous supply of water nearby in case of an explosion or fire
• LPG cylinders are required to be re-tested every 10 years. Do not use cylinders beyond the date stamped on the cylinder
• Check gas cylinders for rust or damage and ensure connections are correctly tightened on the barbeque before lighting. Spray soapy water on suspect connections, bubbles will form if gas is escaping. If in doubt, turn off the gas and have a licensed gas fitter attend to the hose or connection
• Make sure the barbeque is on a firm, level base, sheltered from wind gusts and well away from anything flammable.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the correct start up and shut down procedures, do not connect or disconnect cylinders in the vicinity of a naked flame and shut of the cylinder valve before disconnecting the bottle from the BBQ.
• Only use a barbeque in a well-ventilated area because fumes and gases emitted may be harmful. These barbeques are not intended for indoor use.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies.
• If a gas leak occurs, shut off the cylinder immediately to allow any gas to dissipate.
• After the cooking is finished make sure the gas is turned off at the cylinder.
• Cylinders should be carried and stored upright at all times.
• Cylinders should be stored outside in an adequately ventilated area.
• House the cylinder in a secure location and provide protection against falling, damage and excessive temperature rise.
• Provide separate storage for LPG away from any oxidizing gases by at least 3m. Do not store or use petrol, flammable liquids or aerosols near LPG cylinders.
• Do not store the cylinder in close proximity to an ignition source, or in locations that could jeopardize escape from the building in the event of fire (under no circumstances in stairwells).
• Keep children away from the barbeque and remove and secure lighters and matches.
• Use alcohol responsibly