Collage

Gas Cylinder Storage and Handling

Serious accidents can result from the misuse, abuse, or mishandling of compressed gas cylinders. Safe procedures for their use are as follows:

  • All compressed gas cylinders in service must be securely held upright. Fasten them with an approved restraint device to rigid structures so they will not fall or be knocked over.  For earthquake safety, all cylinders must be double strapped (Campus two chain standard at 1/3 and 2/3 height of the cylinder).
  • Locate cylinders away from pedestrian traffic areas. Make sure they are in a well ventilated location, at least 20 feet from highly combustible material.
  • Keep cylinders out of the direct sun and do not allow them to be overheated.
  • Gas cylinders must be moved by suitable hand trucks to which they are securely fastened. During movement, cylinder caps must be in place.
  • Cylinders must be legibly marked with the name of the gas which they contain. This label must be on the shoulder of the cylinder. A "full/empty" tag is recommended for each cylinder.
  • When cylinders are not being used, cylinder caps must be in place.

Revised: 2/1/2006 SH