Handling LPG
Because of its highly volatile nature, people tend to be wary of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) in its various stored forms. While there certainly is a need to be careful when storing, filling or using LPG, if all the safety precautions are taken there is no need to be unnecessarily concerned. The LPG industry has gone to great lengths to ensure that tanks, canisters, fuel pumps, bowsers and even the nozzles and fuel pipes that are used in LPG engines are extremely safe.
At The Pump
Take refuelling a LPG-converted car at the petrol station for example. There are three general types of filler nozzles used in LPG fuel systems, the ACME, the Dutch Bayonet, and the Italian Dish. Each have different connection styles with the bowser, and each are designed to form a seal that prevents any excess LPG from escaping during the refuelling process. In the United Kingdom the Dutch Bayonet filler is the most common, though large petrol stations will generally keep adaptors on hand for the other two types if need be. The Dutch Bayonet filler has a push-and-twist style connection and includes an automatic fill limiter that stops the bowser from over-filling the fuel tank. Because both the LPG filler and bowser are specifically designed for LPG there is no danger of accidentally filling up your LPG tank with petrol, or filling your petrol tank with LPG - the refuelling process simply would not work.
Collision Protection
Another concern that many people have concerning the safety of LPG in vehicles involves the potential for explosion following an accident or collision. All of the modern LPG converter systems that are installed in vehicles should come with automatic shut-off valves that prevent the LPG from flowing out of the tank if the engine stops or stalls. If there is any form of rupture along the supply line the flow of fuel will also automatically stop. The tank itself is designed to be puncture and crumple proof and it is highly unlikely that it would be compromised even if hit directly by another vehicle.
Pressurised Canisters
When liquid petroleum gas is used for anything other than vehicle fuel - it is a common cooking gas, is often used for heating, and has recently begun to be used as a refrigerant and propellant in place of chlorofluorocarbons - it is vital that the gas is stored in a reinforced pressurized bottle or canister. If you are using LPG for cooking (it is a common barbecue fuel) and your canister needs refilling, it is highly recommended that you have the canister refilled by a professional at a hardware store or petrol station. This precaution is necessary because of the nature of the product - because it expands with temperature fluctuations, the canister should never be filled to more than 80-85% capacity. This should ensure that heat expansion - and thus explosion - does not occur.
LPG Tanks
Other safety precautions are also advisable if you are going to be storing large quantities of LPG on your property, as is often the case in rural or remote areas. It is often recommended that large LPG tanks are buried underground in order to reduce the risk of fire or explosion. Monitors should also be installed around LPG tanks to warn of leaks or pools of the gas (which is heavier than air). If you do intend to install a large LPG tank it is also advisable to seek planning approval.