Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage and Transport

Prevent cylinders from falling or being knocked over by securing them with a chain or strap.

Avoid moving a cylinder by tilting it on its base and rolling it. It is better to use a trolley or properly rated cart.

When moving cylinders in a road vehicle, ensure that the cylinders are secured properly. Avoid transporting cylinders in the bucket of a skid-steer or payloader.

Remove the regulator, close cylinder valves, and ensure the cylinder caps are in place.

Ensure that gas cylinders are marked legibly for the purpose of identifying the gas content. The stencil, stamp, or label should include the chemical name and the name of the gas.

Keep cylinders away from radiators and other sources of heat.

Store cylinders in a well-protected, well-ventilated location at least 20 feet from highly combustible materials such as oil. Do not store cylinders in unventilated enclosures such as lockers or cupboards.

Keep cylinder storage away from elevators, stairs, or gangways.

Ensure that empty cylinder valves are closed.

Secure valve protection caps on cylinders. Avoid lifting cylinders by the protective caps.

Refrain from storing oxygen cylinders near highly-combustible materials, especially oil and grease, or any substance likely to accelerate fire such as acetylene.

Separate oxygen cylinders from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials by at least 20 feet (6.1 meters) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one half hour.

Source: Joe Mlynek is president of Progressive Safety Services LLC, Gates Mills, OH: joe.mlynek@progressivesafety.us, and content creation expert for Safety Made Simple, Inc., Olathe, KS; joe@safetymadesimple.com