UPDATED LPG SAFETY STANDARD STRENGTHENS PROTECTION FOR CONSUMERS AND INDUSTRY

Feb 01, 2026 Features / Columnists, News

GNBS IN FOCUS

(Kaieteur News) – The use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) continues to grow across Guyana for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes, driven by expanding economic activity and increased energy demand. This rapid expansion underscores the need for clear, enforceable requirements governing the safe design, use, storage, handling, and transportation of LPG cylinders to reduce accidents and protect lives and property.

In response, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) updated the National Standard — GYS 265: Specification for LPG Cylinders and their Storage, Handling and Transportation — in 2025. Originally developed in 2005, the standard was revised by the Technical Committee (TC) on Gas Cylinders to expand and clarify requirements, making them easier to understand and apply across the LPG supply chain.

As LPG plays an increasingly critical role in energy access and national development, the updated standard provides a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at public safety, protecting property, and promoting consistent best practices among manufacturers, distributors, transporters, and end-users. The document is intended to be made compulsory to strengthen compliance and reduce preventable incidents.

The standard outlines mandatory markings on LPG cylinders, including tare weight, water capacity, serial number, manufacturer or trade name, date of manufacture or most recent test date, tester’s symbol, and cylinder specification or working pressure. These markings are essential for traceability, inspection, safe use and handling.

It further specifies that cylinder bodies must be free from dents, cuts, bulging, corrosion, excessive dirt, or any evidence of exposure to fire or excessive heat. Foot rings must be undamaged, valves must be free of defects, and no oil or grease should be present on valves or fittings. All cylinders are required to undergo visual inspection prior to refilling.

With respect to repairs, the standard states that work on the foot ring or neck ring may only be carried out if welding or excessive heat is not applied to the pressure-bearing parts of the cylinder. Any cylinder that has undergone repairs must be tested and requalified before being returned to service.

In addition, cylinders must be periodically requalified to ensure continued safety. Requalification is required every 12 years after the date of manufacture, every 12 years if the previous requalification was carried out using the DOT water-jacket hydrostatic test, or every seven years if the DOT simple hydrostatic test was used.

The updated standard also addresses concerns surrounding cylinder connections and appurtenances, particularly in light of incidents reported over the past year; some of which resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.

It notes that cylinders must be fitted with a safety relief device designed to relieve vapour, a securely welded shroud or neck ring that allows for the attachment of a valve protection cap, and a foot ring securely welded to the cylinder body to ensure stable upright positioning.

The GYS 256 and other energy-related standards are available at the GNBS. The Bureau will be at the upcoming Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, scheduled for February 17-20, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown. Members of the public and industry stakeholders are encouraged to visit the GNBS booth to learn more about this and other oil and gas related standards. For further information, contact the GNBS on 219-0064 or 219-0065, or via WhatsApp at 692-4627.

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GNBS, hydrostatic test, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG cylinders

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