Calor and Customer Responsibilities

Calor Look After The Cylinders

A cylinder valve and pressure relief vale are fitted to each cylinder.

These controls and the cylinder are Calor’s property and responsibility. Calor look after them by making periodic inspections.

Calor ask that you don’t paint over the cylinders, or obscure the signs and labels.

You Look After The Site

There is no danger from a cylinder installation, but there are two risks to it, if reasonable precautions are not taken.

The first is the risk of it being struck by a vehicle. Don’t allow vehicles to approach too near to an installation. A manoeuvring car could, for example, inadvertently snag the pipework and cause a gas leak.

The second is external sources of fire, which could overheat the cylinders. Don’t surround the cylinders with flammable material (and that includes long grass), and don’t try to conceal them with sheds or fences that are too close.

Provided the free ventilation around the cylinder is not obstructed it is satisfactory to have a slatted screen or flowers or shrubs near the cylinder installation.

The Pressure Regulator / Change-Over Valve Unit

The unit, associated tubing and pipes are your property and comprises:

The Pressure Regulator

This regulator is of the latest design. Its function is to reduce the pressure of the gas in the cylinder to the precise and constant level required for the correct operation of your appliances. The regulator is set and sealed when it’s installed and should give many years of trouble-free service. IT MUST NOT BE ALTERED except by a Calor representative.

The Change-Over Valve

This valve operates the LPG supply from the service cylinders, the reserve cylinders being brought into use automatically when the service cylinders are empty. The indicator begins to show red when the cylinders are empty. At this point, the valve changes over automatically and draws gas from the reserve cylinders. Turning the control knob to point to the full cylinders isolates the empty cylinders and changes the indicator back to white.

The valve maintains a constant gas pressure and ensures no interruption in service when the supply cylinders are empty or during their replacement.

The Pipes

The pipework from the cylinder installation to your home is your property and has been specified for an LPG supply. Never allow non-qualified people to modify the pipework.

The Do’s and Don’ts when using Calor Gas

• Do treat a cylinder with care to ensure that the valve is not damaged.

• Do always use cylinders in the upright position unless specifically designed for liquid offtake.

• Do return the cylinder when empty or when not in use for long periods.

• Do read the instructions and labels provided with your appliance and keep them handy for future reference.

• Do keep your appliance clean and have it serviced regularly by a competent person. Not only will this help to keep it safe but also means it will burn gas efficiently and therefore save money.

• Do ensure there is an adequate supply of fresh air in the room where your appliance is used. If a room has ventilators or grilles ensure these are open. If a room becomes stuffy, open a window or door Immediately.

If you have any queries please contact the retailer or outlet who sold you the cylinder.

• Don’t subject a cylinder to heat as the pressure inside could build up to exceed the safe limit.

• Don’t attempt to disconnect or unscrew a regulator from any cylinder if the flame does not go out when the regulator is turned off. Leave appliance alight and call your local Calor Gas retailer.

• Don't store or use cylinders in cellars or below ground level. LPG is heavier than air and if there was an escape the gas will collect at low level, can be asphyxiate, and can become dangerous in the presence of a flame or spark. For the same reason do not store cylinders any closer than 2 metres from untrapped drains, unsealed gullies or openings to cellars.

• Don't store Propane cylinders indoors or in high rise flats where a piped gas supply is prohibited.

• Don’t attempt to force a regulator of one size on to a cylinder’s valve of another size. If you have any difficulties contact your retailer and have the appliance checked.

• Don't improvise or modify your gas appliance. Do not let unqualified people tamper with or service your appliance, it could become unsafe to use. Always ask your Calor Gas retailer for advice.

• Don’t obstruct access to cylinders.

Following the above ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ should minimise any possible risk of exposure to Carbon Monoxide. If you suspect you are suffering from the symptoms blow call the Calor Gas Emergency Service number on 08457 444 999.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas which can be produced if an appliance is not working correctly. It is difficult to recognise as it has no colour, smell or taste. Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to that of a viral infection. It effects the mental ability causing a person to become incapable without knowing.

Symptoms of exposure to Carbon Monoxide:

• Tightness across the forehead
• Headache
• Severe headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting
• Coma, intermittent convulsions
• Depressed heart action, slowed respiration
• If the exposure has been severe it may cause death

Learn more about carbon monoxide poisoning at www.co-awareness.co.uk

A regulator must be included in the connection between the cylinder and the appliance, except for appliances designed to be supplied at cylinder pressure . The regulator is precisely set by the manufacturer to control the pressure of the supply and Must Not Be Adjusted. If a Regulator shows signs of wear, it should be replaced. Regulators must be marked BS3016 or BS EN12864.

Use only certified hoses to BS3212 or BSEN1763 which bear the year and name of manufacturer as LPG attacks and erodes natural rubber. Keep hose lengths as short as possible. All hoses must be secured with proper hose clips. Make sure that the hoses are kept clear of ‘hot spots’ and inspect them from time to time. Replace any hose that shows signs of wear, cracking or other damage.

If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas, open all the doors and windows and ensure there is no source of ignition nearby. Examine all pipes and connections. If the leak is not located, turn on the gas supply and brush over the connections with liquid detergent - it will bubble where there is a leak.

Never Use A Naked Flame!

To search for a leak a suitably calibrated Explosimeter may be used for testing the concentration of LPG in the air, but Calor Propane has a special odorant added to help with the detection of leaks.