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Propane LPG Cylinder Handling & Storage (Events) Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Describe your mobile catering unit, bar or outdoor event setup — cylinder size, storage location, transport arrangements and changeover procedure. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant propane LPG risk assessment covering DSEAR, transport and emergency response in minutes.
Used by mobile caterers, event bars, festival traders and outdoor hospitality operators across the UK
🔥 Transporting cylinders in a van or trailer? Mention it — we'll include vehicle ventilation, securing and signage requirements alongside your on-site storage and changeover controls.
Legal requirements for propane and LPG at events
Propane is a highly flammable liquefied petroleum gas, and its storage, handling and use at events is covered by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). DSEAR requires you to identify what could cause a fire or explosion, assess the risk, and eliminate or reduce it through measures such as ventilation, control of ignition sources and safe siting of cylinders — this applies equally to a temporary festival stall as it does to a permanent commercial kitchen.
Under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer and self-employed person must assess the risks to workers and members of the public arising from their work activity, including the use of LPG appliances and cylinders at outdoor and temporary events. Event organisers, local authority licensing teams and venue managers routinely require this documentation before allowing a stall, bar or catering unit to trade.
Industry guidance from the LPG Association (LPGA) and HSE Approved Code of Practice L138 sets out practical requirements for cylinder storage, changeover, separation distances and transport, which are not standalone legislation but represent the recognised standard of care expected under DSEAR and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Anyrisks assessments reference this guidance alongside the relevant regulations.
How it works
1. Describe your setup
Tell us your event type — mobile catering van, marquee bar or festival stall — cylinder size, storage location, vehicle transport arrangements and changeover procedure. If you're operating alone or across multiple pitches, mention it and we'll include relevant controls.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant propane LPG risk assessment referencing DSEAR 2002 and industry cylinder handling guidance.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Submit it to your event organiser or local authority licensing team, or keep it on file for your own compliance records. £29, no subscription.
What it covers
Every propane LPG risk assessment is written in full — covering handling, storage, transport and emergency response.
Fire and explosion risk from LPG under DSEAR 2002
Safe cylinder storage — upright, ventilated, separated from ignition sources
Cylinder changeover procedure and leak testing
Transport of cylinders in vehicles and trailers
Vehicle ventilation and securing requirements
Safe siting distances from public areas, drains and ignition sources
Regulator and hose inspection and defect reporting
Manual handling of full and empty cylinders
Fire extinguisher and fire blanket provision
Emergency shutdown and gas isolation procedures
Signage and hazard warning requirements
Weather and temperature effects on outdoor cylinder storage
Public protection at events, festivals and markets
Empty cylinder storage and collection arrangements
Works for
From food trucks to festival bars, Anyrisks covers every type of propane LPG use at outdoor and temporary events.
What customers say
"Every council wants a risk assessment before we can trade at a market. Anyrisks covered our cylinder storage, changeover and transport in one go — took less time than filling out the licence form."
Dean R.
Mobile caterer, Yorkshire
"We run a bar at three or four festivals a year and always get asked for our LPG paperwork on site. This gave us a proper document referencing DSEAR that the event safety officer actually accepted straight away."
Chloe M.
Festival bar operator, South West
"Transporting cylinders in the van was the bit I always worried about getting wrong. The assessment covered ventilation and securing properly, which our insurer specifically asked to see."
Imran K.
Street food trader, London
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| DSEAR 2002 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Cylinder changeover procedure included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vehicle transport controls included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers mobile catering, bars and stalls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Safe siting distances included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a risk assessment for propane cylinders at an outdoor event?
Yes. Under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, anyone using or storing LPG cylinders for catering or heating at an event must carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Propane is a highly flammable gas and event organisers, local authorities and licensing officers routinely ask to see this documentation before granting permission for stalls, bars and mobile catering units to operate.
Does DSEAR apply to portable LPG cylinders used at events?
Yes. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) apply wherever propane is stored, handled or used, including temporary event setups, not just fixed installations. DSEAR requires you to assess the risk of fire and explosion, classify hazardous zones around cylinders and changeover points, and put in place control measures such as ventilation, ignition source controls and safe separation distances.
How should propane cylinders be transported in a vehicle?
Cylinders should be transported upright wherever possible, secured against movement, with valves closed and protective caps fitted. The vehicle should be well ventilated (never sealed cargo areas), free of ignition sources, and display appropriate hazard warning signage. Describe your vehicle type and typical journey and the assessment will include transport-specific controls.
What should the cylinder changeover procedure cover?
A safe changeover procedure should include extinguishing naked flames nearby, checking the regulator and hose for damage, ensuring the new cylinder valve is closed before connecting, using a soapy water leak test on joints, and storing the empty cylinder upright and away from ignition sources until collection. This is one of the most common points of failure we see reported in incident data.
Are there minimum separation distances for LPG cylinders at outdoor events?
Yes — LPG cylinders should be sited away from ignition sources, drains, gullies and areas where the public congregate, with separation distances increasing for larger cylinders or multiple cylinder manifolds. The assessment references HSE and LPGA industry guidance on safe siting distances relevant to your cylinder size and event layout.
Does this cover mobile catering vans as well as marquee bars?
Yes. Describe your setup — mobile catering van, marquee bar, festival stall or fixed food truck — and the assessment will reflect the specific ventilation, storage and changeover arrangements relevant to that type of operation.
What fire safety equipment is required near LPG cylinders?
A minimum of one suitable fire extinguisher (typically a dry powder or fire blanket appropriate to the fuel type) should be located within easy reach of the cooking or heating appliance, along with clear emergency shutdown procedures for isolating the gas supply at the cylinder valve.
How long does it take to generate this risk assessment?
Under 2 minutes. Describe your event type, cylinder sizes, storage arrangement and vehicle transport details, and Anyrisks produces a complete, regulation-referenced LPG risk assessment instantly, ready to download as PDF and Word.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · AI risk assessment generator