Calor and BASC roll out a practical training programme

Over the past few years a number of health and safety related incidents, involving the incorrect use of gas cylinders in game rearing, has highlighted the need for greater awareness of the safe use of gas and gas appliances.

Calor Gas Ltd, the UK’s leading supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shares BASC’s belief that high standards in all areas of game rearing, should be maintained and that the safe use and handling of LPG cylinders is paramount.

In response to this, BASC and Calor have produced a booklet Using Calor Gas Safely in the Game Rearing Field, containing information and advice on the safe use of gas in cylinders, and a number of health and safety fact sheets, all available to download from the BASC website.

Field Training Days

BASC and Calor have also got together to set up a practical training programme, designed to demonstrate best practice in safety to people who handle and use LPG for bird rearing. Being rolled out this spring, the training will take the form of a series of gas safety awareness ‘field days’ and dates and locations will be arranged soon.

The training is specifically aimed at gamekeepers who will receive hands-on experience, as well as a good theoretical grounding, on the safe handling and use of bottled gas.

LPG cylinders provide a reliable power supply and ensure consistent levels of heat, so that sheds are always at the optimum temperature – vital for feeding, sleeping and feathering. If used correctly LPG burns cleanly so there is little danger of contaminated feeds or litter, making it ideal for busy brooder houses.

However, it is a highly flammable substance and anybody working with LPG cylinders must be trained in the associated hazards, as well as safe methods of cylinder changing and the proper use of gas brooders. The main hazard in the storage and use of LPG is leakage, which can lead to fire or explosion risks, and inadequate ventilation which leads to the build-up of toxic gases.

The training days have been designed to cover the key elements of LPG usage in game rearing and will cover the following areas: properties and hazards of LPG, regulators, changeover valves and hoses, siting and changing of cylinders, cylinder storage and manual handling, equipment maintenance and ventilation, actions in emergency. The content of each module is as follows:

Properties and Hazards of LPG: Trainees will explore why LPG is highly flammable, why it’s stored under pressure and why it’s heavier than air. These properties dictate the way in which LPG is handled, used and stored.

Regulators, Changeover Valves and Hoses: Using the correct regulator and supply hose is vitally important to ensure the proper and safe use of the appliance and integrity of the installation. Understanding why regulators and changeover valves are used, how they work and their correct positioning is fully covered.

Also important is the maintenance of flexible supply hoses. These must be of the correct specification and correctly fitted and maintained. Hoses should always be checked regularly and replaced if worn or damaged. For this reason the training will include a practical session on replacing hoses.

Siting and Changing of Cylinders: Cylinders must be sited correctly, for example always in an upright position on a flat hard surface. The session will look at the best practice of siting cylinders in use and the positioning of changeover valves to ensure their proper operation.  It will also include a connection and disconnection exercise, in line with Calor’s recommended procedure.

Cylinder Storage and Manual Handling: This will emphasise the need for correct storage of LPG cylinders, in line with codes of practice and the golden rules of handling cylinders safely.

Equipment Maintenance and Ventilation: A vital area that will be covered is the need for proper maintenance of gas appliances and their supply pipes. It will demonstrate correct and incorrect operation, and the need for proper ventilation to ensure safe combustion. Poor ventilation and/or poorly maintained or faulty appliances can result in the production of carbon monoxide, a highly poisonous gas. All parts of the installation should be properly maintained and serviced only by competent and qualified people.

Actions in Emergency: The field day will then look at what actions to take if there is a gas leak from cylinders or pipework, or if there is a fire involving LPG, and also what first aid may be necessary to deal with the effects of LPG, either as a gas or a liquid.

The day will conclude with a comprehensive review of the key safety messages, to ensure that all those who attend will take these safe practices back with them to implement in their workplace.

Calor and BASC are continuing to push the gas safety message to a wider audience, with a plan to involve college lecturers and students in training sessions throughout the country later in the year.

www.calor.co.uk