| How do I transport or move cylinders? |
Always transport cylinders with valve caps or other valve protection in place. Pulling cylinders by their valve caps, rolling them on their sides or dragging or sliding them can cause damage. Rolling cylinders on their bottom edge ("milk churning") may be acceptable for short distances. Never lift cylinders with magnets or chain or wire rope slings. Transport cylinders on specially built hand carts or trolleys or other devices designed for this. All transport devices should have some way of securing cylinders to prevent them from falling.
*Also please read our “Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders” Literature |
What should I know about the compressed gas storage area?
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Store compressed gas cylinders separately, away from processing and handling areas, and from incompatible materials. Separate storage can minimize personal injury and damage in case of fires, spills or leaks. Many compressed gases can undergo dangerous reactions if they come in contact with incompatible materials (gases, liquids or solids), so store them apart from each other. For example, store oxidizing gases at least 6 metres (20 feet) away from fuel gases or other combustible materials. Or separate them with an approved fire wall. Check the reactivity information and storage requirements sections of the MSDS for details about which materials are incompatible with a particular compressed gas. |
If compressed gas cylinders are stored outside, use a well-drained, securely fenced area. Keep them on a raised concrete pad or non-combustible rack. Protect cylinders from the weather and do not allow them to stand directly on wet soil as this can cause corrosion.
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Indoor storage areas must have walls, floors and fittings made of suitable materials. For example, use noncombustible building materials in storage areas for oxidizing gas and corrosion-resistant materials in storage areas for corrosive gas. Make sure floors are level and protect cylinders from dampness. Avoid overcrowding in storage areas or storing cylinders in out-of-the-way locations.
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Always chain or securely restrain cylinders in an upright position to a wall, rack or other solid structure wherever they are stored, handled or used. Securing each cylinder individually is best. Stacking of groups of cylinders together offers some protection, but if this is done improperly, the entire group or individual cylinders could fall.
*Also please read our “Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders” Literature
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| Store compressed gas cylinders in areas which are: |
well-ventilated and dry fire-resistant and supplied with suitable firefighting equipment including sprinklers, where appropriate away from electrical circuits and ignition sources such as sparks, flames or hot surfaces accessible at all times, but away from elevators, staircases or main traffic routes where cylinders may be dangerous obstacles labelled with suitable warning signs.
Always store full cylinders separately from empty cylinders.
*Also please read our “Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders” Literature
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| What should I know about compressed gas storage temperatures? |
Store compressed gas cylinders in dry, cool areas, out of direct sunlight and away from steam pipes, boilers or other heat sources. |
Follow the gas supplier's recommendations for storage and use temperatures. To prevent excessive pressure buildup, never expose cylinders to temperatures above 52°C (125°F). Do not subject them to temperatures below -29°C (-20°F), unless they are designed for this. Cylinders that become frozen to a surface can be freed by using warm water (less than 52°C). Never apply direct heat to a cylinder.
*Also please read our “Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders” Literature
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What are some general precautions about compressed gas storage?
At all times: |
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Allow only trained, authorized people into storage areas. |
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Keep the amount of compressed gases in storage as small as possible. |
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Inspect storage areas regularly for any deficiencies such as damaged or leaking cylinders and poor housekeeping. |
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Correct all deficiencies as soon as possible. |
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