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Cooking Up Changes
The use of LP Gas for outdoor patio heaters has increased considerably over the past few years.
Many restaurant kitchens are also choosing to use LP Gas as there may not be a mains supply (‘town gas’) available or there because there is a need for increased heat that only LP Gas can deliver.
Unfortunately proprietors have not been aware of the hazards of LP Gas or of the volumes or storage conditions that would be considered ‘safe’ by regulatory authorities, firefighters and industry. Sometimes as a result restaurant kitchen fires have occurred.
Standards Australia has thoroughly considered the storage and use of LP Gas cylinders in various locations and industries, and will incorporate a new ‘Minor storage and usage’ section in the draft revision of AS/NZS 1596, The storage and handling of LP Gas.
Revisions to the Standard will allow for greater storage and use of LP Gas indoors, with quantities dependent on ventilation, floor area and building occupancy. Several new drawings are being added to the draft, to explain the concepts and locations for storage of LP Gas cylinders.
The Committee considers that the proposed changes will lead to increased awareness of LP Gas safety by consumers and in the catering and retail industries.
It is anticipated that a draft will be available for public comment in August 2006, with a new edition of the Standard available early 2007.
To stay up to date and view a full list of drafts for comment visit www.standards.org.au
Standards Australia’s project managers’ facilitate committees comprised of experts representing a broad cross section of industry and the community, such as governments, industry bodies, trade and professional associations, academia and consumer groups.
Standards Australia is recognized by the government as Australia’s peak standards body. It develops Australian Standards of public benefit and national interest and supports excellence in design and innovation.