Gas cylinders are large, heavy and relatively unstable due to the small base-diameter-to-height ratio. It is important to adhere to a few simple rules when storing your gas cylinders:
- Store cylinders appropriately.
- Store cylinders in a well-ventilated covered area, preferably outside on a level, well drained surface, in shadow and under roof.
- Store cylinders vertically and securely to prevent them from toppling.
- Store full and empty cylinders separately, rotating your cylinder stock holdings so the oldest cylinders are used first.
- Segregate cylinders by the properties of the gas (flammable, inert, oxidant and so on). It is not allowed to store cylinders with flammable content together with other cylinders.
- Cylinder valves should be closed when cylinder is not in use.
- Safety caps should always be in place and secured.
Safety signs according to legislations have to be set up on the storage area.
Beware of:
- The properties of the gas.
- Specific requirements for certain products.
- Storage of cryogenic, liquefied and heavier-than-air compressed gases should be sited with due regard to the dangers of the gases’ collecting in low-lying areas such as drains, basements and ducts.
Remember:
- Never store flammable cylinders with other gas cylinders.
- Never store other products in a cylinder store, particularly flammable materials such as fuel, oil, paint or corrosive liquids; this may result in a hazardous situation.
- Never store LPG cylinders within five meters of other gas cylinders. The use of a firewall can help to reduce the distances.
- Electric components in the storage area of flammable gases have to fulfil special rules.
- No smoking and no other ignition sources.
- No mobile phones in an EX-area.
In case of fire:
- Call the fire brigade.
- Evacuate the area.
- Remove the cylinders if it is considered as safe.
- If they cannot be removed, cool the cylinders with water, from a safe place.
- Mark cylinders which have been exposed for heat.
