Do you keep bottles of propane gas at home or in your cabin? To prevent accidents, it's important that gas is stored correctly and legally.

Keep bottles in an upright position

Keep gas bottles in an upright position on a stable surface where they can't fall over. All propane bottles in Norway must have a safety valve. If the gas container gets too hot, for example in a fire, the safety valve opens and allows gas out. This reduces the pressure and the risk of an explosion. The safety valve only works if the container is in an upright position.  

Store in a well-ventilated place

The place where you store gas must be well ventilated. It is essential that any gas leaking from a container is able to seep away. You can store gas inside or outside. Indoors, gas bottles must be kept in a cabinet. Outdoors, the cabinet must be made of non-flammable material such as metal. Remember that the cabinet used to store gas must also be well ventilated.

Keep away from heat

The place where you store gas must not be too hot. If you store gas outdoors, the container should be in a shady place. If you barbecue with gas, never put the gas bottle under the barbecue. Also, keep gas containers well away from flammable materials and liquids, such as lighter fluid and petrol.

Never store gas in the cellar

Gas bottles must never be kept in the cellar. Propane gas is heavier than air. If the bottle were to leak, the gas would seep out and accumulate on the cellar floor. It would then take no more than a tiny spark to ignite the gas. That could result in a powerful explosion that could lift an entire house off its foundations. Gas bottles must also not be kept in the attic, which is often difficult to access.

Storing gas correctly:

• Store gas containers in an upright position, on a stable surface
• Gas containers must be kept in a well ventilated cabinet. If you store gas outside, the cabinet must be made of non-flammable material such as metal
• It must be well away from sources of ignition, and the bottles must not be subject to high temperatures
• Gas must never be kept in the cellar
• You are allowed to store a maximum of two 11 kg bottles per home