D BY Book Supply Bureau UNDER THE LICENSE FROM BIS FOR BGR ENERGY SYSTEMS LIMITED - CHENNAI ON 05-08-2021

11:07:14 (172.23.16.71) valid uptp 2

(Reaffirmed 2016) 

U DC 621.642’17’036 [SSS’I 41 : 665’725 : 006’76 IS : 8198 (Part 5)  -1984

( Reaffirmed 2006 )

SUPPLIED BY Book Supply Bureau UNDER THE LICENSE FROM BIS FOR BGR ENERGY SYSTEMS LIMITED - CHENNAI ON 05-08-2021 11:07:14 (172.23.16.71) valid uptp 22-10-2021
Indian Standard (Reaffirmed 2015) 
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
STEEL CYLINDERS FOR COMPRESSED GASES   j
1 I
m PART 5 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS ( LPG) (Reaffirmed 2014) 
( First Revision)
 
1. Scope - This standard ( Part 5) covers filling, inspection, testing and maintenance of portable
steel cylinders for the storage and transportation of liquefied (Reaffirmed 2013) 
petroleum gas in cylinders exceeding
500 ml water capacity. . ,
.‘*.

2. Terminology
 

2.1 For the purpose of this standard, the terminology given in IS : 7241-1981 (Reaffirmed 2012) 
‘Glossary of terms used
in gas cylinder technology (first revision )’ shall apply.

3. Approved Specifications for Manufacture  

3.1 The cylinders used for the storage and transportation of liquefied petroleum (Reaffirmed 2011) 
gas ( LPG ) shall
conform to one of the specifications approved by the statutory authority. A list of approved speci:
fications is given in Appendix A. :
 
4. Filling a
(Reaffirmed 2010) 
4.1 inspection Before Filling- Before filling any cylinder, the filler shall subject it to a thorough
examination to ensure that :
 
a) The cylinder is manufactured to a specification approved by the statutory authority;
b) The cylinder is not due for retesting as required under 6; (Reaffirmed 2009) 
c) All statutory requirements in respect of markings, valve fittings and painting are complied
with;  
d) The valve and its parts including outlet threads are in good condition; and
(Reaffirmed 2008) 
e) The cylinder does not have excessive dents [see IS : 5845-1984 Code of practice for visual
inspection of low pressure gas cylinders in use (first revision ) 1.
 
4.2 Empty cylinders which have been involved in a fire should not be refilled. They should be
carefully inspected by a competent person to assess the damage, if any, caused to(Reaffirmed 2007) 
the cylinders by
the fire; and also to advise the repairs to cylinders, if required ( see IS : 5845-1984).
 
4.3 Filling Ratio- Cylinders for liquefied petroleum gas shall not be filled in excess of the filling
ratio specified by the statutory authority [see also IS : 3710-1978 Filling ratios for low pressure
liquefiable gases ( first revision) ] based on the design of the cylinder and the chemical (Reaffirmed 2006) 
composition
of LPG being filled. The amount of gas charge into the cylinder shall be determined by weighing.
The weight shall be checked if after the cylinder has been disconnected from the charging line. 

4.4 Leakage -All cylinders shall be carefully examined for leaks after filling. Leaky cylinders shall
be emptied in approved safe location and inspected for cause of leakage. I (Reaffirmed 2005) 

4.4.1 For venting, the cylinder shall be placed in a vertical position in an open space,  
observing
the procedure laid down in 4.4.2 and 4.4.3. .

4.4.2 Area around the cylinder shall be cordoned off. The security nut shall be removed and the
valve opened to vent the cylinder.

4.4.3 The operation shall be carried out in an open space away from any building or drains with a
minimum IO metres clear distance around the cylinder and where the esca.ping gases shall disperse
into the air without creating a hazard or constituting a public nuisance. Care shall always be taken to
insure that no sources of ignition, of whatsoever nature, are brought into the cordoned area. Apart
from excluding entry of all sources of ignition it shall be ensured that no sparks are created by tools,
shoe nails, etc, striking metallic or concreted surfaces.

Adopted 19 October 1984 0 March 1985, ISI Gr 3

I INDIAN STANDARDS INSTlTUTloN

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002
.*
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IS:8198 (Part5) -1984

SUPPLIED BY Book Supply Bureau UNDER THE LICENSE FROM BIS FOR BGR ENERGY SYSTEMS LIMITED - CHENNAI ON 05-08-2021 11:07:14 (172.23.16.71) valid uptp 22-10-2021
4.4.4 All cylinders received without residual gas shall be either purged or evacuated at the filling
plant before filling with LPG.

4.4.5 Before a cylinder leaves any filling station, the filler shall ensure that the cylinder is not
leaking from any part and valve and the cylinder is in order in all respects.

5. Marking and Labelling

5.1 Marking - Liquefied petroleum gas cylinders shall have the following markings in letter/figure,
permanently stamped on them, either at footring or on any non-pressure part of the cylinder:

a) Serial number and identification of owner and manufacturer;

b) Specification to which cylinder has been manufactured;

d Maximum working pressure;

4 Test pressure, month or quarter and year of last hydrostatic test;

e) Tare of cylinder, (It shall be the weight of empty cylinder with valve fitted, but excluding
cylinder cap and security nut);

f) Water capacity in litres; and

s-l)Inspector’s official mark.

5.2 Colour Identification - Each cylinder shall be painted in accordance with the requirements of
IS : 4379-1981 ‘Identification of the contents of industrial gas cylinders (first revision)’ in use, and
also, if required, in accordance with the regulations indicated in the Red Tariff for conveyance by rail
of explosives and other dangerous goods published by Indian Railway Conference Association.

6. Periodic Inspection and Testing

6.1 Cylinders are subjected to periodic inspection and testing to ensure that they are safe for further
use. In the case of LPG, the periodic inspection interval is not to exceed 5 years ( see IS : 8868-1978
Periodical inspection interval of gas cylinders in use) The periodic testing consists of :

a>Visual Inspection - To be acceptable cylinders shall satisfy the requirements of external

and internal examination in accordance with IS : 5845-1984.

b) Hydrostatic Test - The test pressure shall be retained for a period of not less than 30
seconds. Any reduction in pressure noticed during this retention period or any leakage,
visible bulge or deformation shall be treated as a case of failure of the test. In all cases, the
inside of the cylinder shall be dried after carrying out hydrostatic test before filling.

cl Weighing - Cylinders shall be weighed and if the tare is less than 95 percent of the original
tare marked on the cylinder, the cylinder shall be condemned.
d) Checking of Valves- Prior to the hydrostatic test, the valves shall be removed and the
threads examined for distortion and suitability for re-use. Valves or parts of the valves which
are not in serviceable condition shall be reconditioned or renewed as necessary.

6.2 Periodic inspection shall also be carrled out on cylinders whenever special circumstances neces-
sitate it, as for instance, when the cylinder shows a serious damage or is exposed to fire.

7. Repair of Cylinders and Attachments

7.0 General - Repair and inspection of cylinders shall be undertaken by organizations approved by
the statutory authority.

7.0.1 Before commencing any major repairs, the valves shall be removed and the cylinders gas-
freed. Gas-freeing shall be carried out preferably by steaming for at least 10 minutes. If steam is not
available, the cylinders shall be filled to overflowing with water and allowed to stand for one hour.
They shall be emptied, refilled with water and emptied again.

7.0.2 Cylinders shall always be checked to ensure that they are gas-free before hot work is carried
out.

7.1 Dent Removal

7.1 .I Hot dedenting shall not be permitted. Subsequent to cold dedenting the cylinder shall be
stress-relieved.

2
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IS : 8198 ( Part 5 ) - 1984

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7.1.I .I Hot dedenting may however be permitted if the inspecting authority is satisfied after
verification of markings on the cylinder or certificates pertaining thereto, that the cylinder was
originally normalized. Cylinders so dedented shall be again normalized.

7.1.2 Removal of small dents shall be done by hydraulic pressure on a cold cylinder; but the
pressure used should not exceed the test pressure of the cylinder.

7.1.3 For large dents which are within the permissible limits specified in IS : 5845-1984, the
cylinder shall be partially filled with water and positioned so that the dent is uppermost and in the
air space. The cylinder shall be fitted with a pressure gauge to record the pressure inside the cylinder,
after connecting the cylinder to an air pressuring system. The area of the dent shall be heated care-
fully with an oxygen-gas blow pipe and the pressure inside the cylinder shall be slowly raised until
the dent disappears. Very light dressing or tapping with a light weight hammer is permissible while
the steel is hot.

7.2 Repair of Seams - Cylinders may be withdrawn from -service to carry out repairs of pinholes in
welded or brazed seams provided that :
a) if the original seams were welded, the repair is done by welding;
b) the cylinder is heat-treated after repair;
c) after heat treatment the cylinder is subjected to the hydrostatic test and the pneumatic test;
and
d) adequate records of such repairs are kept.

7.3 When footrings or valve protection rings or handles are removed and re-welded to the cylinder,
the cylinder shall be subsequently stress-relieved or normalized.

8. Valves and Pressure Regulators

8.1 Valve Fittings - Valve fittings used on LPG cylinders shall conform to IS : 8737 ( Part 1 )-I979
‘Valve fittings for use with liquefied petroleum gas ( LPG )’ cylinders for more than 5-litre water
capacity: Part 1 Valve fittings for replacement purposes’ or IS : 8737 ( Part 2 )-I 978 ’ Valve fittings for
use with liquefied petroleum gas ( LPG ) cylinders for more than 5-litre water capacity : Part 2 Valve
fittings for newly manufactured LPG cylinders’ regarding material, design, construction and testing.
The part of the valve in contact with the contents of the cylinder shall be of metal which does not
react with the gas and shall be capable of withstanding the test pressure of the cylinder.

8.2 Pressure Regulators - Pressure regulators used on LPG cylinders shall conform to IS : 9798-1981
‘ Low pressure regulator for use with liquefied petroleum gas ( LPG ) mixtures ‘.

9. Handling, Use, Storage and Transportation

9.1 Handling and Use

m
9.1.1 Those responsible for the handling and use of cylinders should understand the charac-
teristics of LPG [ see 4576-l 978 Specifications for liquefied petroleum gas ( LPG >I and it is essential
that they be trained in good practices relating to their job.

9.1.2 As empty cylinders are not in fact truly empty but contain LPG vapour, their handling and
storage shall, in general, be subjected to the same considerations as for full ones.

9.1.3 Cylinders represent a very heavy capital outlay, and their life depends almost entirely on the
care with which they are handled and stored at all times. Cylinders shall, therefore, be well cared for.

9.1.4 Cylinders shall not be rolled on their sides but shall always be carried or rolled on their
footrings.

9.1.5 Before cylinders are handed over for transportation, it shall be ensured that the cylinders are
not leaking from any part and valve. Also it shall be ensured that the valve outlet is fitted with a
safety cap and that the valve is in order in all respects.

9.1.6 Cylinders shall not be handled in any way which shall cause the seal to break before the
cylinder is required for connecting UP.

9.1.7 Cylinders shall not be dropped.

9.1.8 Cylinders shall always be used in an upright position, and be so placed that they cannot be
knockedlover. Open flames, lights, lighting of fires and smoking shall be prohibited in close proximity
of any cylinder containing liquefied petroleum gas, except those while in use for welding, cutting or
heating.
3
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IS:8198 (Part5)-1984

SUPPLIED BY Book Supply Bureau UNDER THE LICENSE FROM BIS FOR BGR ENERGY SYSTEMS LIMITED - CHENNAI ON 05-08-2021 11:07:14 (172.23.16.71) valid uptp 22-10-2021
9.1.9 Unless proper means of attaching rope or chain slings are provided, slings shall not be used
in the handling of cylinders. Magnetic devices shall not be used for lifting.

9.1.lO When cylinders have to be vented, the operation shall be carried out in the open, under the
supervision of a competent person, taking the necessary safety precautions.

9.2 Storage
9.2.1 Full and empty cylinders shall be stored only in places constructed in accordance with
statutory rules.

9.2.2 Cylinders shall always be stored with security nuts, seal plugs or transit plugs and valve
protection caps, where provided, in position.

9.2.3 Cylinders shall not be stored below ground level or on upper floors.

9.2.4 Cylinders shall not be stored near corrosive substances or vapours.

9.2.5 Cylinders shall not be stored in positions or places where they are liable to become over-
heated, for example, near boilers.

9.2.6 Cylinder storage places shall be adequately ventilated at floor level and at eaves level.

9.2.7 Empty cylinders which have not been made gas-free shall be kept inside approved storage
sheds.

9.2.8 Cylinders shall be stored on solid floors; alternatively, the space beneath the flooring shall be
adequately ventilated to the open air and not to any other room or compartment.

9.2.9 Cylinder storage spaces shall be kept clean at all times in order to prevent the accumulation
of combustible material. Particular attention shall be given to ventilating apertures to prevent their
becoming blocked.

9.2.10 All doors or gates giving direct access to the cylinder storage shall open outwards.

9.2.11 Adequate precautions shall be taken’ to prevent unauthorized persons from having access
to LPG cylinders kept in the storage shed or storage areas.

9.2.12 Vehicles not specifically designed or adapted for operation in flammable atmospheresshall
be forbidden from entering inside storage compartments or from approaching nearer than two metres
from cylinder stacks in outdoor storage.

9.2.13 Smoking and the use of naked flames, etc, in storage spaces, whether indoor or outdoor,
shall be prohibited. Further a notice to this effect shall be permanently and prominently displayed
immediately adjacent to any means of access to the storage space.

9.2.14 If artificial lighting is used in the store or storage space, it shall be electric. Any electric
fitting shall be of the flame-proof type and wiring shall be in robust conduit to protect it from damage.
No storage shed shall be opened and no handling of LPG cylinders shall be permitted between sunset
and sunrise except where approved lighting is exclusively used.

9.2.15 If any accident, fire or explosion occurs involving the cylinder which is attended with loss
of life or serious injury to person or property, this shall be immediately reported to the nearest
magistrate or to the officer-in-charge of the nearest police station and by express telegram to the
Chief Controller of Explosives as required under the Gas Cylinders Rules, 1981.
9.2.16 Methods of stacking

9.2.16.1 When LPG cylinders are stacked horizontally they shall be restrained (wedged) to
prevent their rolling apart due to the weight of the stack or due to the removal of any cylinder.

9.2.16.2 A gangway approximately 0’6 metre wide enough to permit access and manoeuvring of
cylinders shall be left between stacks of single or double rows and between stacks and the walls of
indoor storage compartments.

9.2.16.3 Generally, cylinders may be stacked vertically (valve upper most) or horizontally but it
is recommended that those which incorporate safety relief devices should be piled vertically.

9.3 Transportation

9.3.1 Every vehicle on which LPG cylinders are transported shall be of strong construction with
sides and back of adequate height and shall be maintained in good condition.

4
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IS:8198(Part5)-1984

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9.3.2 Every vehicle while engaged in the transport of LPG cylinders shall be constantly attended
to by at least one person. The attendants shall have basic knowledge of fire hazards attached to
LPG cylinders.

9.3.3 The speed limit of the vehicle shall not exceed 50 km/h. If a lower limit is imposed by the
State Transport Authority, it shall be observed.

9.3.4 No LPG cylinders shall be carried in public service vehicles carrying passengers, and no other
goods shall be permitted on vehicles oarrying LPG cylinders.

9.3.5 A suitable dry powder or carbon dioxide type of fire extinguisher shall be provided on the
vehicles used for carriage of LPG cylinders.

9.3.6 No person in a vehicle carrying LPG cylinders shall smoke, and no fire or other source of
ignition shall be permitted in the vicinity of the vehicle.

9.3.7 LPG cylinders shall be so transported as not to project in the horizontal plane beyond the
sides of ends of the vehicle in which they are transported.

There shall be no sharp projection on the inside of the vehicle and adequate measures shall be
taken to prevent cylinders falling off the vehicle and being subjected to rough handling, excessive
shocks or local stress.

9.3.8 Cylinders transported in the vehicles shall be blocked or braced and be so secured as to
prevent movement or falling down. In no case cylinders shall be so loaded into vehicles that they may
bounce or may strike each other or other objects.

9.3.9 When cylinders are transported by rail, this shall be done in accordance with the Railway
Red Tariff Rules.

9.3.10 No lifting magnet or hook shall be used in loading or unloading of cylinders.

9.3.11 Every cylinder containing LPG when transported, shall have its valve protected against
damage in a suitable manner, unless it is securely packed in a box or crate.

9.3.12 During transportation of cylinders vehicles shall be parked in safe areas.

9.3.13 Wherever possible, cylinders shall be stacked in vertical position during transportation. lf,
however, they are stacked horizontally, the maximum height of the stack shall be governed by
consideration of the weight that a cylinder in the bottom tier is able to withstand.

IO. Disposal of Condemned Cylinders

10.1 Cylinders including the attachments, such as footrings and handle rings which do not comply
with the requirements of inspection and testing and which have been rejected and recommended to
be destroyed shall be disposed of in accordance with IS : 9200-1979 ‘Methods of disposal of un-
serviceable compressed gas cylinders’.

10.2 History sheets of such cylinders shall be closed and kept on record for period of one year.

11. General

11.1 The jointing compound used at different jointsin the system shall be of a type which is resis-
tant to LPG and which remains plastic ( see IS : 3465-l 966 Specification for jointing compounds for
use in liquefied petroleum gas appliances and installations ). In any joint in which the thread provides
a gas-tight seal, jointing compound shall be used.

11.2 In using the code, IS : 4576-1978, which lists the various types of LPG generally marketed in
India, shall be borne in mind.

II .3 Safety devices, if used, shall be of approved design ( see IS : 5903-1970 Recommendation for
safety devices for gas cylinders).

5
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IS:8198 (Part 5) -1984

SUPPLIED BY Book Supply Bureau UNDER THE LICENSE FROM BIS FOR BGR ENERGY SYSTEMS LIMITED - CHENNAI ON 05-08-2021 11:07:14 (172.23.16.71) valid uptp 22-10-2021
APPENDIX A
( Clause 3.1 ) ‘i

LIST OF APPROVED SPECIFICATIONS

A-l. The list of specifications approved by the statutory authority for use in India is given below:
IS : 3196-1983 Welded low carbon steel gas cylinders exceeding 5-litre water capacity for low
pressure liquefiable gases ( third revision )
IS : 7142-1974 Welded low carbon steel gas cylinders for low pressure liquefiable gases not
exceeding 5-litre water capacity .,

BS 401 : 1931 Steel cylinders for storage and transport of liquefiable gases. British Standards
Institution.
Note -The list is not comprehensive as new specifications are added from time to time. Up-to-date information on
the subject can be had from the Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur.

EXPLANATORY NOTE
Liquefied petroleum gases are hazardous if allowed to escape. The low visocity of these gases
compared to heavier petroleum fractions greatly aggravates the problem of containing them. To handle
them as liquids they should be connfied under pressure or be held at low temperature or both.
If the liquid leaks from a cylinder, it will quickly vaporize, mix with air and probably develop a
flammable mixture. The hazard here is increased because most liquefied petroleum gases are heavier
than air and will spread along the ground where there are many possible sources of ignition.
Manufacturers, fillers and users of the gas cylinders covered by this standard should be familiar
with the precautions laid down in this standard in order to ensure safe and efficient operating
conditions. For general information on LPG and other gases conveyed in cylinders, SP : 9-1978
’ Technical data sheet for gases conveyed in cylinders ‘, may also be referred.
For the purpose of easy reference, the standard is being issued in different parts as under:
Part 1 Atmospheric gases
Part 2 Hydrogen gas
Part 3 High pressure liquefiable gases
Part 4 Dissolved acetylene gas
Part 5 Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Part 6 Liquefied chlorine gas
Part 7 Ammonia gas
Part 8 Common organic refrigerant gases
Part 9 Sulphur dioxide gas
Part 10 Methyl bromide gas
Part 11 Methyl chloride gas
Part 12 Gases for medical use.
In LPG trade, ‘Industrial Installations’ generally refer to the installations at factories and the
‘Commercial Installations’ relate to the larger type of catering establishments, such as hotels, restaurants
and canteens. In these applications, the LPG installations generally consist of a large number of
cylinders and are handled by relatively unskilled workers.
Separate Indian Standards for such installations IS : 6044 (Part I)-1971 ’ Code of practice for
liquefied petroleum gas cylinder installations: Part 1 Commercial and industrial installations ’ and
IS : 6044 (Part 2)-1972 ’ Code of practice for liquefied petroleum gas cylinder installations: Part 2
Industrial, commercial and domestic bulk storage installations’ have been prepared for the guidance
of consumers.
Manufacture, possession and use of liquefied petroleum gas when contained in cylinders is
regulated under the Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981 of the Government of India as amended from time to
time. Although this standard has been prepared in consultation and agreement with the statutory
authorities under these rules, should anything in the standard conflict with the provisions of Gas
Cylinders Rules, the latter shall be adhered to.

6
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