Enquiry into the use of LPG Cylinders in indoor situations

Media Release - 19 Dec 2003

ERMA New Zealand to conduct an Enquiry into the use of LPG Cylinders in indoor situations

The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) is to conduct an enquiry into the use of LPG cylinders in the indoor domestic environment. This enquiry has been triggered by an ongoing number of incidents involving LPG cylinders and equipment that is connected to them.

ERMA New Zealand is conducting this enquiry under section 11(e) of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act to "enquire into any incident or emergency involving a hazardous substance or new organism".

The scope of the enquiry will include whether the issues are related specifically to indoor use of LPG cylinders, risks and benefits of the use of different types of couplings, as well as situations where the couplings are used. The enquiry will also investigate any common causes of these incidents, and in particular the extent to which they are related to inadequacies in safety requirements and/or compliance with those requirements.

ERMA New Zealand has appointed Bill Wakelin, a chemical engineer to conduct this enquiry. ERMA New Zealand will be working with industry and other agencies such as the Energy Safety Service and Occupational Safety and Health Service in carrying out this enquiry.

The enquiry will start immediately with a probable report date of mid March 2004.

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