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Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage and Handling

Picture of compressed gas cylinder with cap on and secured

Location

Compressed gas cylinder storage should be located as follows:

  • Away from radiators and other sources of heat.
  • In a well-protected, well-ventilated area.
  • In a dry area (not on earth/ground).
  • Away from salt, corrosives, chemicals, and fumes.
  • Out of exits and egress routes.
  • Protected from physical damage from striking or falling objects.
  • Protected from public tampering (i.e. secured).
  • Out of direct sunlight (i.e. less than 120 degrees F).

Requirements

Compressed gas cylinders must meet the following requirements while in storage or in use:

  • Compressed gas cylinders that are not in use may not be stored in laboratories.
  • Cylinders must be secured with a chain or flame retardant strap above the midpoint, but below the shoulder of the cylinder.
    • Cylinders less than 18 inches tall that are difficult to secure with a chain or strap may be secured in approved stands or with wall brackets.
  • Store cylinders of the same hazard class in the same area (i.e. poisons/highly toxic, flammables, inerts, corrosives, oxidizers, and cryogenic gases).
  • Separate full cylinders from empty cylinders. 
  • Cylinders and storage areas must be identified as to contents, for example, a sign indicating "Oxygen/Full" and "Oxygen/Empty" should be displayed.
  • Cylinders must be stored in an upright position with the cylinder caps in place.
  • Oxidizers and fuel gases must be separated by at least 20 feet, or a noncombustible wall at least 5 feet high with at least a half-hour fire rating.
  • Cylinders, especially oxygen, must be kept at least 20 feet from highly combustible or flammable materials.
  • Oxidizers and flammables must be kept at least 20 feet from all sources of ignition. 
  • Store cylinders so that they are used in the order in which they were received, i.e. first in - first out.
  • Do not store cylinders longer than one year without use. Return to the supplier or give it to another laboratory or shop on campus that will use it.

In-house transportation

  • Regulators must be removed.
  • Valves must be closed.
  • Valve caps must be on.
  • Secure cylinders in a cylinder cart with a chain and move to a new location.
  • Use platforms or cradles that keep cylinders upright and secure when lifting with mechanical equipment. Do not lift cylinders by their valve cap! 
  • Do not drag or roll cylinders horizontally. 

Short-term vehicle transportation

Some gases are not permitted to be transported in personal vehicles (i.e. vehicles not designed and authorized to transport compressed gas cylinders). There are also maximum quantities of gases that can be transported in certain types of vehicles. Transporting compressed gas cylinders in vehicles that are unsuitable for such purposes, and by personnel who are unauthorized and untrained, can result in serious injury or death. 

The preferred method of transporting cylinders is in the supplier's truck.

If a cylinder must be transported a short distance by an employee, the following requirements must be followed: 

  • Cylinders must meet the Department of Transportation's requirements for labeling, marking, and placarding. 
  • A suitable vehicle, such as a truck, must be used to transport the cylinder.
  • The valve cap must be on the cylinder to protect the valve stem. 
  • The cylinder must be secured in an upright position in the back of the truck to prevent cylinder damage, especially the valve stem, during transport. Inspect the cylinder for existing damage prior to attempting transport. 
  • The cylinder must be located in the back of the truck to provide adequate ventilation in event of a leak. Direct sunlight or excessive temperatures can result in a release of the cylinder contents. 
  • Do not smoke during transport.
  • Take a direct route to the new location and do not make any intermediate stops along the way. Avoid heavy traffic routes.
  • Remove the cylinder from the vehicle as soon as you have reached your destination. Place it in proper storage. 

In most cases, when you purchase a compressed gas, you are only purchasing the contents of the cylinder; not the cylinder itself. Cylinders are considered hazardous waste and are not easily disposed of, and should therefore be returned to the supplier from which they were purchased. 

If the supplier will not take a cylinder back, typically due to age, missing labels, unknown contents, damage, etc., contact Environmental Health & Safety Hazardous Waste for assistance.

If a leaking cylinder is detected during delivery from the supplier, the cylinder should be rejected and/or returned to the supplier. For other situations, consider the following:

  • The nature of the operation.
  • The potential location of a release or spill.
  • The quantity of material that might be released and the type of contaminant.
  • The chemical and physical properties of the gas.
  • The hazardous properties of the gas.
  • The availability and locations of emergency supplies.
  • The department's emergency action plan recommendations.

For cylinders with minor leaks:

  • Verify the leak with a flammable gas detector, or an approved leak test solution.
  • Try tightening the valve gland or packing nut.
  • Place a plastic bag, rubber shroud, or similar device over the top and duct tape it to the cylinder to confine the leaking gas.
  • Contact Environmental Health & Safety at 540-231-2982 or call 911.

For cylinders with major leaks:

  • Call 911 immediately.
  • For fuel gases or highly toxic gases, be sure to turn off any machinery or open flames in the area if it is safe to do so. 
  • Evacuate the area and secure the entrances.
  • Activate building and area fire alarms on the way out of the area/building.
  • Do not re-enter the building until the local fire official gives an "all clear."