Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CONTENTS
1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................... 3
3 Definitions ................................................................................................................................................... 3
4 Procedure Details ....................................................................................................................................... 3
4.1 Hazards.............................................................................................................................................. 3
4.2 Personal Protective Equipment ......................................................................................................... 3
4.3 Security of storage area ..................................................................................................................... 4
4.4 Precautions for the storage of gases in minor quantities. ................................................................. 4
4.5 Construction and location of stores ................................................................................................... 4
4.6 Indoor Storage ................................................................................................................................... 4
4.7 General .............................................................................................................................................. 5
4.8 Fire protection for minor stores .......................................................................................................... 5
4.8.1 In the event of fire: ......................................................................................................................... 5
4.9 Transit Storage .................................................................................................................................. 5
4.10 Movement of cylinders on site ........................................................................................................... 6
4.11 Precautions for flammable gases: ..................................................................................................... 6
4.11.1 Precautions for acetylene .......................................................................................................... 6
4.11.2 Precautions for LP Gas .............................................................................................................. 6
4.11.3 Precautions for oxidizing gases: ................................................................................................ 6
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document ID Document Name Comment
08PR301C Storage and Handling of Gas Cylinders
DOCUMENT1 29-OCT-18 2 OF 7
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF GAS CYLINDERS
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE
1 PURPOSE
To provide guidelines for the safe storage and handling of compressed gases.
2 RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibility rests with the Project Manager or Manager of the site involved ensuring that all personnel
under taking Storage and Handling of Gas Cylinders are familiar with this Procedure
3 DEFINITIONS
Shall and should: The word “shall” is to be understood as mandatory. The word “should” as recommended.
Cylinder: A rigid packaging, of capacity not exceeding 500L, designed as a portable vessel for the storage
and handling of gases under pressure. Gas cylinder is generally equipped with a protective valve closure
and a suitable relief device.
Decanting: Liquid phase of LP gas is transferred from one container to another by using the difference in
pressure between the two containers.
Ignition source : source of energy sufficient to ignite a flammable atmosphere and which may include a
naked flame, exposed incandescent material, an electrical welding arc, a mechanical or static spark and
electrical or mechanical equipment not approved for use in hazardous locations.
Restricted area: an area to which access is only available to such persons as are authorised by the
occupier. A gas cylinder store is regarded as a restricted area.
4 PROCEDURE DETAILS
4.1 HAZARDS
Gases stored under pressure are subject to numerous hazards. If gases are released into the atmosphere,
substances can become highly flammable and fire and explosions can occur. Gases inhaled or absorbed
through the skin can be highly toxic. MSDS information should be utilised and client emergency procedures
followed.
Some gases are stored at low temperatures and these can cause frostbite or cold burns. Materials can
suffer brittle fractures. If moisture gets in, this can cause the seizure of valves or cause them to leak. Cold
liquid can warm and rupture pipes unless safety relief devices are fitted. Insulated refrigeration gas cylinders
may vent large amounts of cold gas and spit freezing liquid after long periods of non-use.
DOCUMENT1 29-OCT-18 3 OF 7
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF GAS CYLINDERS
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE
Away from artificial sources of heat e.g. radiators, boilers or steam pipes.
Kept clear of combustible matter and refuse for a distance of not less than 3m from any cylinder.
Be provided with adequate ventilation at all times.
Kept clear from emergency exits.
Classes of gases shall be segregated within the store, but need not be separated.
Outdoor stores of Class 2 gases in cylinders shall be separated from other dangerous goods stores
by a minimum distance of 3m. They shall be located not less than 1m from any door, window, air
vent or duct.
Total capacity of gases kept shall not exceed one minor storage quantity per 200m2 of floor area.
Indoor minor stores shall be separated from other minor stores of gases or other dangerous goods
stores by a minimum of 5m.
Except for Class 2.2 gases having no subsidiary risks, there shall be no minor storage in basements.
Area must be adequately ventilated.
First Aid - A first aid kit must be provided.
DOCUMENT1 29-OCT-18 4 OF 7
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF GAS CYLINDERS
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE
4.7 GENERAL
Copies of MSDS sheets shall be kept on site and appropriate first aid kit supplies kept in a readily
accessible location.
Any relief devices e.g. safety valves or fusible plugs are always in communication with the vapour
space in the cylinder.
Any relief devices are not directed toward any barrier or other cylinder.
Secured against falling and protected against impact damage and excessive temperature rises.
Hoses and couplings can be regularly checked and maintained.
Before connection to a cylinder, all regulators must be checked for suitability for use with the gas
and its pressure. Check for leaks after connection.
Only approved equipment shall be used to open or close valves. Do not stop leaks by applying
excessive force to valves.
Cylinders and fittings shall be regularly checked for leaks.
Cylinder safety devices shall be checked regularly for damage and obstructions.
Toxic gas cylinders shall be plugged and securely capped when not in use.
Two or more transit storage areas shall be deemed separate if apart from each other by at least
15m.
Total quantity of gas cylinders held in each transit storage age shall not exceed 200t gross mass.
Maximum quantity of each bank, pallet or store in the transit storage area shall not exceed 25t gross
mass. Each bank, pallet or store shall be at least 5m apart.
Parked road vehicles loaded with gas cylinders shall be separated from any other loaded vehicle by
at least 3m and from other dangerous goods stores by at least 5m.
Access and escape routes must be clearly defined.
A designated area must be provided for dealing with cylinders that are leaking, damaged and/or
awaiting disposal.
DOCUMENT1 29-OCT-18 5 OF 7
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF GAS CYLINDERS
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE
DOCUMENT1 29-OCT-18 6 OF 7
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF GAS CYLINDERS
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE
Cylinders and equipment must be kept meticulously clean. The presence of oil, dust, foreign
particles and organic matter will increase the risk of ignition in an oxygen or nitrous oxide installation.
Oxygen shall not be used as a substitute for compressed air. Where oxygen can escape into a
confined space, the atmosphere shall be monitored.
The cylinder valve should be opened slowly.
DOCUMENT1 29-OCT-18 7 OF 7