Cylinders for Gases
This page was last updated on 16th May 2024LPG Cylinders
Steel cylinders used for LPG must be periodically inspected and tested to ensure they remain safe and fit for purpose. Normally, the maximum interval between inspections is 10 years and this is set by the International Agreement for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). Since 2011, ADR has allowed the competent authority to authorise the interval to be extended to 15 years providing certain conditions are met. Cylinders so authorised may be marked P15Y. A transitional provision permits previous arrangements to continue until 1st January 2015.
Our Dangerous Goods Office operates a scheme on behalf of the competent authority to authorise extended inspection intervals for LPG cylinders which are used exclusively in Great Britain. The VCA scheme is available now to GB companies wishing to comply with the provisions of ADR Packing Instruction P200 (10) in advance of the end of the transitional period. This will be the only means by which inspection intervals may be extended for new steel cylinders placed into service from the 1st January 2015.
Guidance on the Extension of Periodic Inspection Intervals for LPG Cylinders (PDF)
An application form can be downloaded here (XLS)
An annual return form can be downloaded here (XLS)
Queries on the operation of this scheme should be sent to tanks@vca.gov.uk
Steel and Aluminium Cylinders
In addition to the above ADR now permits certain steel and aluminium cylinders to have extended inspection periods to 15 years.
An application form can be downloaded here (XLS)
An annual return form can be downloaded here (XLS)
Queries on the operation of this scheme should be sent to tanks@vca.gov.uk
