Checking for particular traits that indicate the validity and safety of an authentic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)-filled and sealed cylinder
Here’s how to spot a real, certified, and safe LPG gas bottle:
Cylinder Branding:
Genuine LPG cylinders will have the following:
- The Manufacturer or distributor’s name
- The gas type (LPG)
- The volume of the cylinder
- The serial number of the cylinder
- The manufacturing date
- The expiration date of the safety inspection
Cylinder Seals:
To know that your gas cylinders is filled correctly and safe it needs to have an authentic seal over the valve.
The seal should contain the following:
- Branding which correlates with gas cylinder branding
- Unique Serial Number
Markings of Certification:
Genuine LPG cylinders should contain certification indications such as the SANS (South African National Standards) mark. This signifies that the cylinder meets the regulatory bodies’ safety and quality standards.
Seal Integrity:
Check the cylinder valve seal to ensure it is intact and has a tamper-evident cap. A cracked or missing seal could suggest that the contents of the cylinder have been compromised.
Correctly Filled Cylinders:
To know that your gas cylinders is filled correctly and safe it needs to have an authentic seal over the valve.
The seal should contain the following:
- Branding which correlates with gas cylinder branding
- Unique Serial Number
Weight:
Check the cylinder’s weight. Authentic LPG cylinders should have a weight that corresponds to the amount of gas they contain. On the cylinder, this weight should be stamped or marked but do not confuse the weight of the bottle with the weight of the gas contents. We explain ways to check this in our video: **How to check your gas cylinder level** on our YouTube Channel.
Safety Instructions:
Legitimate cylinders usually have safety advice and guidelines printed on the label. These instructions cover the proper handling, storage, and use of the cylinder. Examples include:
- When connecting the cylinder to your appliances, always use a regulator.
- Never use a broken or leaky cylinder.
- Keep cylinders cold and dry, away from heat and sunshine.
- When cylinders are empty or no longer needed, appropriately dispose of them.
Reputable Distributors:
LPG cylinders should only be purchased from authorised and reputed businesses or distributors. Avoid purchasing cylinders from unauthorised or dubious sources.
Receipt and Documentation:
Request a receipt or documentation that proves the transaction when purchasing a filled LPG cylinder. This can be used as evidence of purchase and will be useful if any problems develop later.
When working with LPG cylinders, remember that safety comes first. Always handle them with caution, keep them in a well-ventilated place, and follow all safety precautions when using them. If you have any worries, you can contact the manufacturer or distributor, as well as a reputable professional like Hi Service, to confirm the validity of the cylinder.