Storage & Handling Gas Cylinder

Storage :

·         Designated storage area shall be well ventilated to prevent accumulation of any gases in the event of a leakage from the cylinder(s). Mechanical ventilation such as exhaust and force ventilation shall be provided in areas where natural ventilation cannot be achieved.

·         Oxygen and combustible gases such as Acetylene should not be stored together. If in the same enclosed area such as a room, they should be kept apart, but they should preferably be stored in separate rooms.

·         Full and empty cylinders shall be kept apart, FULL and EMPTY notices shall be displayed to prevent confusion and mistakes.

·         “LPG” sign shall be prominently marked on the body of all LPG gas bottles to identify the contents.

·         In the event where cylinders are stored in an enclosed area such as a room, electric switches shall be flameproof or placed outside the room.

·         All cylinders shall not be stacked horizontally but shall always be stored and used upright. Appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure all cylinders are secured properly so they will not fall.

·         Smoking in areas where flammable and combustible contained cylinder is stored is prohibited.

·         All Flammable and combustible contained cylinders shall be stored well away from sources of heat such as furnace, sparks generated by welding, gouging and heating activities.

·         At all times see that cylinders are protected from rusting and corrosive conditions. Do not lay cylinders directly on to wet soil.

·         Notified the supplier(s) immediately if a cylinder has been accidentally overheated or damaged.

Handling :

·         Never allow cylinders to come into contact with electrical apparatus or live wires, since arcing may be set up which will heat or damage the cylinders. Keep cylinders away from sparks, flames or slag, from welding and cutting operations.

·         Never use any welding or cutting apparatus unless pressure regulators are fitted to the oxygen and fuel gas cylinders. Ensure that the appropriate regulator is used for the cylinders.

·         Used only correct standard size keys for operating cylinder valves. Do not increase the leverage of keys or employ long leverage spanners, or use badly worn keys, or attempt to get gas from cylinders with broken spindles.

·         Before putting a regulator on to a full cylinder, always release the adjusting screw for regulating the pressure of output otherwise there is a risk of damage to the regulator.

·         If gas is suspected to leaks around the valve spindle when the valve is opened, close the valve and tighten the gland nut. If it do use not stop the leak, tag the cylinder and removed it to the open. Notify gas supplier.

·         Where cylinders are connected to manifold or headers, such manifolds must be of proper design and equipped with proper flash back arrestors.

·         When in use, frequent inspection shall be carried out on the manifolds and cylinders to check for any possible leakage of gas between the connection points.  Soapy water shall be applied by brush or spray onto the connection point to check for leak during the inspection. Never with a naked flame.

·         It is unsafe to rely entirely on the use of a needle valve, as this does not prevent a reverse flow of gases towards the cylinders. Moreover, the use of a needle valve in place of a regulator may cause the bursting of the hoses if the gases are cut off at the blowpipe, as the hose will be subjected to cylinder pressure.

·         Shut cylinder valves when work has to be stopped for more than a few moments, or when the cylinder is empty.

·         Never transport the cylinders with the regulators and hoses attached unless a proper trolley or carrier is used. When transporting by a trolley the cylinder valve must be shut before the cylinder is mover form place to place.

·         If an gas cylinder is heated accidentally or becomes hot due to excessive or severe backfire from use of faulty equipment, it must be dealt promptly.

·         Since Acetylene and air compound combined in certain proportion can be explosive, care should be taken to prevent leakage.

·         Acetylene can form explosive compounds in contact with certain metals or alloys, in particular those of copper and silver.

·         Joint fittings or piping made of copper should on no account be used, and Acetylene should never be allowed to come into contact with copper or an ally containing more than 70% of copper.

·         Cylinders shall not be used as rollers, work support or jacks.

Disposal :

Emptied cylinders shall be placed at designated area(s) for further actions. Disposal of Empty cylinders shall be according to Waste Management