Cylinder Handling & Storage

General safety guide for the safe operations, handling and storage of gas cylinders

Before Use:
  • Establish the identity of the gas, and understand the properties of the gas by consulting the material safetY data sheet (DASDS).
  • Determine the correct equipment to be used and how to safely operate such equipment.
  • Ensure that only trained personnel should handle gas cylinders.
  • Provide and don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to handling gas cylinders.
  • Ensure other safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, wash stations etc. are at appropriate locations.
  • Do not remove or deface any labels or stenciled marks provided by the supplier.
  • If in doubt with the hazards associated with any gases, contact the gas supplier for additional information.
During Use:
  • Gas cylinders should only be handled by those familiar with the hazards and are trained in the proper handling techniques.
  • Ensure appropriate PPE are donned.
  • Use a cylinder trolley to transport cylinders.
  • Use regulators and pressure-relief devices when connecting cylinders to piping circuits with lower pressure service ratings.
  • Do not force valve connections that do not fit.
  • Do not attempt to catch a falling cylinder.
  • Do not allow oil, grease or other combustible substances to come into contact with cylinders, valves or related equipment.
  • Always keep cylinder valves free from foreign material.
  • Should any part of the cylinder or valve become damaged, do not attempt to use the gas cylinder and report the altercation to the gas supplier.
  • Never allow cylinders to be subject to temperatures above 45°C.
  • For flammable gases, always check that a flashback arrestor is fitted to the pressure regulator outlet of the cylinder.
  • Use check valves to prevent reverse flow into the cylinder.
  • Shut off cylinder valve when not in use.
  • Should any doubt arise during the usage of a gas cylinder, contact the gas supplier for more information.
After Use (storage):
  • Always store cylinders in a designated area when not in use.
  • Cylinders should be upright and secured when in storage to prevent toppling.
  • Flamrnable gases are required to be stored in approved storage spaces. They should be separated from combustible gases by at least 6rn, or by a fire resistant partition.
  • Use a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory system to prevent full containers from being stored for long periods of time.
  • Gas cylinders unused for more than 6 months should be returned to the gas supplier for safety reasons.
  • Ensure that cylinders are protected from wet or damp grounds.
  • Storage area should be well-ventilated.
  • Smoking should be prohibited in the vicinity of the cylinder.