People often use liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for heating or cooking – in the home, for barbecues, or even when tramping or camping. But LPG can be dangerous: it needs to be handled with care.

Call:
111 in an emergency
Healthline on 0800 611 116 for medical advice
National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766 for poisons advice
LPG is butane, propane, or a mixture of these two fuels. You can buy LPG in cylinders at the garage or a hardware store. Some people use larger cylinders of LPG for cooking or heating in their homes. You can also buy smaller LPG canisters from outdoors stores for tramping or camping.
Always get your LPG cylinders and canisters filled or swapped by a reputable supplier, and contact your local council to find out the best way to dispose of old, used cylinders and canisters.
Understand the hazards
- LPG ignites and burns easily.
- If it leaks, it can ignite and sometimes explode.
- It is stored under pressure in canisters and cylinders.
- LPG appliances can give off carbon monoxide if they are not burning properly, so make sure your LPG appliances are working properly and get them serviced regularly.
- ‘Huffing’ or breathing LPG in intentionally can make you sick or even kill you.
If you think someone is unwell or injured from exposure to LPG or carbon monoxide, call 111 immediately.
For more information, see the Safe living with gas webpage on the WorkSafe New Zealand website