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Fireman

Gas Safety

Take On The Critics

In hospitality, you are faced with critics on a daily basis, be it food and wine critics or customers, and the last thing you need is the fire service involved in an incident at your business or workplace.

CFA , MFB, The Office of Gas Safety, WorkSafe and Restaurant and Catering Victoria are encouraging the hospitality industry, specifically restaurants, cafés and bars to 'Take on the Critics' and ensure proper storage and use of LP Gas and outdoor heaters this winter.

Information Kits

Approximately 12,000 hospitality businesses including restaurants, cafés, bars and wineries across Victoria will receive an information kit during July 2005. Copies of the Take On The Critics Information Kit are also available here:

Guidelines for use of Portable Gas Heaters in Public Places Guidelines for the Use of Portable Heaters in Public Places (pdf)
Gas Safety Guidelines For The Employer Guidelines for Employers (pdf)
Gas Safety Guidelines For Staff Guidelines for Staff (pdf)

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do to improve Gas Safety at my premises?
What are the potential hazards when dealing with LP Gas and outdoor heaters?
What are the benefits of using fixed gas supply?
Where can I get more information?

What should I do to improve Gas Safety at my premises?

  • Wherever possible use fixed gas supply
  • Use portable heaters as intended – only use in well-ventilated outdoor areas on stable ground and keep clear from awnings and combustible material
  • Make gas safety part of your routine – have a gas safety supervisor and train all staff to follow the gas safety rules
  • Maintenance – never use damaged or malfunctioning heaters. Service your heater at least every 2 years and always follow manufacturer’s instructions
  • Correct storage and handling of LP Gas cylinders – keep all cylinders in a secure and well-ventilated external location. Check the appliance, hose and cylinder connections for leaks and minimise the amount of stored gas on- site

What are the potential hazards when dealing with LP Gas and outdoor heaters?

  • Leaking gas igniting and exploding
  • Radiant heat from an outdoor heater igniting near combustible materials, leading to serious fires.
  • Hot surfaces causing serious burns when touched.
  • Poisonous products of combustion accumulating in enclosed spaces and affecting people’s health and in extreme cases causing death.
  • Gas cylinder fires, leaks and explosions.

What are the benefits of using fixed gas supply?

  • Fixed supply units offer a safe, affordable and permanent outdoor heating solution for hospitality businesses. The heater units are off the ground, eliminating the risk of possible injuries to staff or customers or damage to the heater or ignition with combustible material.
  • Restaurants, bars and cafes are a dynamic environment where customers can also contribute to the risk by moving portable items around the outside area and across pedestrian’s footpath access.
  • Fixed supply units eliminate the potential hazard of storing and handling LP Gas cylinders on site.
  • Portable outdoor heaters have a life span of 2-3 years. Fixed supply units, which must be safely installed by a licensed plumber, last for more than 10 years.

Where can I get more information?

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