Things to consider when organising an event

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Many mobile catering units will use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

If you are bringing these types of units onto your event site, you should be aware:

LPG cylinders should be located in a well-ventilated position on firm, level ground at least 1 metre from buildings or boundaries, 2 metres from any building openings, drains or gullies, and 3 metres from other combustible, corrosive or oxidising materials (including other catering units)
The cylinders should be secured to prevent tampering and positioned where they cannot easily be damaged
The cylinders are stored with the valve upright
All flexible tubing is kept to a minimum

If LPG is stored within a unit, it should be put in a compartment completely separated from the rest of the unit:

The storage compartment for the LPG must be constructed of materials having at least a half hour fire resistance
Sealed to prevent gas gaining access into the unit
Of sufficient size to store all LPG cylinders including spares and constructed so that access can only be obtained from outside the unit
Provided with ventilation openings at both high and low levels
Secured to prevent tampering
Be provided with a suitable means of securing the cylinders in an upright position

All appliances using LPG should be:

Serviced and tested every twelve months by a registered LPG engineer
The LPG cylinder is inspected before, during and after filling and record of the inspection made against the cylinder registration number
Warning notices are displayed indicating the presence of LPG
All pipework should be supported every metre
The unit has appropriate fire extinguishers and fire blankets
Catering staff are familiar with emergency procedures and safe use of LPG
The food business operator has carried out a fire risk assessment
All fryers should be fitted with an automatic high temperature-limiting device (operates at a fat temperature of 250°C or lower)