Viewers are being warned not to replicate the actions seen in a recent episode of Kevin McCloud's Man Made Home, in which McCloud and his team dismantled a gas cylinder to use in heating a hot tub.

Calor Gas has welcomed the news that the production company and broadcaster of the programme have removed the relevant segment from the episode on 4oD and all other related websites.


Both Channel 4 and Optomen have also issued the following statement, further to this decision: “In this episode, an old gas cylinder was converted into a wood burner to heat the hot tub. Channel 4 would like to make clear that converting gas cylinders in this way can be highly dangerous and can also be unlawful. It should therefore never be attempted by you under any circumstances.”


This follows UKLPG contacting the programme to draw their attention to the irresponsible footage.


Dismantling a gas cylinder is both dangerous and illegal, as the vessels contain a pressurised flammable and potentially explosive product. Gas cylinders remain the property of the gas cylinder company even after use, who are the only bodies authorised to dispose of them.


“LPG cylinders are portable and convenient and therefore are used widely within the UK and have a very good safety record,” said Rob Shuttleworth, chief executive, UKLPG, “but the cutting of LPG cylinders is highly dangerous and should not be attempted by members of the public.”


Calor has warned previously of the dangers of attempting to construct wood burners from LPG cylinders. A man attempting to make a BBQ was killed three months ago in Oxfordshire when he took an angle grinder to a supposedly empty oil drum.


Paul Blacklock, Calor’s head of strategy and corporate affairs said: “We urge the British public not to recreate Kevin’s actions at home. It is extremely alarming to see a rise in untrained people attempting to cut open cylinders. Advice on how to create wood burning stoves is already widespread on the internet. This is not only dangerous, but unlawful. Subsequently, Calor will consider pursuing legal action against these websites and anyone who is found to be unlawfully tampering with cylinders.”


LPG cylinders are safe when used correctly, following the accompanying safety instructions. Tampering with LPG cylinders or attempting to change their use is an unlawful offence and could lead to a claim for damages or criminal prosecution. Unwanted gas cylinders should be returned to the gas supplier, and there is a useful contact guide via the UKLPG website for consumers to use.