How Close can Cars and Smokers be Allowed to LP Gas Tanks?

This article is similar to “smoker causes fire” but in this case it raises the question about how close can we allow smokers, or other ignition sources, to above ground LP gas tanks.

Australian Standard AS 1596 entitled Storage and Handling of LP Gas provides best practice guidance on LP gas cylinders and bulk tanks. In addition, AS IEC 60079.10.1 entitled Classification of Explosive Areas provides distances based on more detailed analysis.

The safe separation distance of potential ignitions sources eg cars or smokers to above ground LP gas (bullet) tanks is at least 5m, depending upon other local circumstances or hazards.