Like all fuels, Autogas is flammable, which means that it must be handled safely. Strict measures and advanced technologies ensure safety. Government decisions to use clean, safe and economical Autogas to transport community school children is a ringing endorsement of the confidence which has been invested in the Autogas safety record.
A risk assessment study carried out by Dutch research institute TNO concluded that the safety of modern Autogas vehicles is in fact better than for gasoline vehicles. Another study by the Belgian research organisation, DNV, demonstrated that the risk of tank rupture is higher for gasoline than for Autogas. as industry develops and adapts stringent standards and regulations in design, manufacturing and installation of Autogas parts and equipment.
In fact, a world-wide harmonisation of safety rules related to the design, manufacturing and installation of autogas components is in progress with governmental authorities through the United Nations/Economic Commission for Europe and a parallel effort led by the LP Gas industry.
Safety
Autogas vehicle tanks are manufactured to meet or exceed the most stringent standards, and rigorous crash tests demonstrate that autogas tanks are stronger than conventional fuel tanks. Constructed from composite and carbon steel, they are 20 times more puncture resistant and will survive much greater impacts than a typical gasoline, methanol or ethanol tank.
Autogas cylinders are also manufactured with a device that shuts off the filling process when the tank reaches 80 percent of its liquid capacity, allowing for temperature related changes in fuel volume without any release of gas from the tank.
Modern autogas fuel systems are protected by advanced pressure regulators and safety valves. Onboard gas detectors and other safety valves allow fuel flow only when the engine is operating. Fuel systems are also fitted with shut-off valves that function automatically if the fuel line ruptures, meaning that gas can no longer flow from the tank.
In the rare event of a serious accident the tank and associated Autogas pipes are protected with numerous safety devices, electronic and mechanical, to prevent and control the escape of the autogas should a pipe be severed.
If the vehicle should catch fire in the event of an accident then the autogas tank is designed to control its pressure via a pressure relief valve saving the tank from rupturing and causing further damage.
In putting safety first, it is always advised to select reputable and approved equipment manufacturers and/or converters.
