Boat Safety Scheme - Standard 7.3 to 7.4

7.3.1 Stowage of LPG cylinders (Not installed in upright position with valve uppermost.)
Cylinders should be used in an upright position with the valve uppermost so there is no danger of liquid LPG entering the regulator or pipework. If liquid does pass into the regulator, then high pressure may be created in the low-pressure side of the system with subsequent serious risk of leakage from taps and valves.

7.3.2 Stowage of LPG cylinders (Not secured to prevent damage)
Cylinders should be secured so that no damage can occur to the cylinders, regulator, hoses and pipework. They should be retrained individually or collectively to a fixing of strength to ensure that they can not move in the event of collision, Heeling & pitching and vibration. Straps made from either metal or fabric, or chains can secure them.

7.3.3 Stowage of LPG cylinders (Cylinders, cylinder locker or housing forms an obstruction)
Cylinders or lockers should not hinder the normal operation of the vessel or obstruct crew moving about the vessel. Normal operation would include interference of mooring lines and there secured points. Consideration for the need to provide an unobstructed pathway for leaking gas overboard should also be taken in to account.

7.3.4 Cylinder or cylinder locker / housing (Not located away from heat source)
The cylinders are designed to operate at normal ambient temperatures including direct sunlight but must not be exposed to temperatures above this. As pressure is directly related to temperature, the pressure in the cylinder at ambient temperatures is well within the design specifications, but as the temperature rises so pressure will build up. When the temperature rises above this design range, the pressure will open a built in safety valve open the cylinder to reduce the pressure inside.

7.3.5 Stowage of LPG cylinders (Not accessible and removable in an emergency)
This is to ensure access for both the crew of the vessel as well as members of the emergency services in the event of an incident. For security purposes when the boat is not in use, it is acceptable for cylinders to be locked, but this must be removed when the boat is in use.

7.4.1 Cylinder locker / housing (Not fire resistant for 30 mins to BS 476 – 20)
The cylinder locker needs to provide protection for the cylinder installation in the event of fire. It needs to be thick enough and of fire resistant quality to provide a barrier to fire for at least 30min. The locker can be made of metal as long as it is 0.9mm thick. Fibre reinforced plastic with fire retardant resins can also be used, provided it is at least 5mm thick.

7.4.2 Cylinder locker / housing (If metal, joints not fully welded or brazed)
The sides and bottom of the locker should be LPG tight to the hull interior so the seams need to be continuously welded or brazed. Joints made with rivets, bolts or screws or fillers are not acceptable, as they do not provide a LPG tight seal to the hull interior.