Storing gas cylinders
How to store cylinders safely
Where to locate gas stores
Ventilation
Personal protective equipment
Safety signs
Markings
How to store cylinders safely
- Store cylinders in the upright position. Some gases (e.g. LPG and acetylene) contain a gaseous and liquid phase. Some flammable gas cylinders contain a pressure relief valve that must be in contact with the vapour phase if the cylinder is to function properly during an emergency.
- Ensure cylinders are prevented from falling or being knocked over by securing them using a racking system or using a non abrasive, coated chain that will not scratch the cylinder markings and paint work.
- If cylinders have been lying on their side, place the cylinder in the upright position and wait 30 minutes before using.
Some cylinders are designed to be stored on their side. Consult the MSDS or contact the supplier for more information.
Where to locate gas stores
Gas stores should be located outdoors, preferably in a secure, cage protected from sunlight. Storage indoors is not recommended unless the building has been designed for that purpose with appropriate fire-rated walls and ventilation. Where gases are stored indoors, additional control measures need to be taken.
Some general principles apply:
- Do not store gas cylinders in areas or structures constructed of combustible materials.
- Locate gas stores on the ground floor away from other dangerous goods (e.g. Class 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 7, 8 or 9, etc.) and combustible liquids (e.g. diesel fuel) stores by at least 5 m or more.
- Avoid storing below ground level especially if flammable, toxic or asphyxiant gases are present.
- Store heavier than air gases with caution to avoid storing where these gases can collect in low lying areas.
- Avoid storing gas cylinders in significant quantities near to or inside protected places where members of the public may assemble (e.g. places of worship, theatres, age care facilities, schools, hospitals, property boundaries).
For LPG or other workplaces where flammable gases are the dominant gas present, contact the Department of Natural Resources and Mines.
Information about storing significant quantities of gas in cylinders is available in AS 4332:2004 The storage and handling of gases in cylinders (non-Queensland Government link) , or consider hiring a consultant.
Ventilation
- Store gas cylinders in well ventilated areas to prevent build up of escaped gases.
- Store gases outside in a cage where possible.
- Where gases are stored inside a building, a mechanical ventilation system may be required if the natural ventilation is inadequate. Expert advice should be obtained if unsure.
- Design the mechanical ventilation system to capture escaped gases, not ignite flammable gases. Ensure workers are not placed at risk of asphyxiation, or exposed to gases above the relevant National Exposure Standard (NES). National standards are those stated in the NOHSC publication Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment (non-Queensland Government link).
- More information is available in AS 4332:2004 The storage and handling of gases in cylinders (non-Queensland Government link) .
Personal protective equipment
- Wear eye protection, safety shoes and gloves in gas cylinder storage and handling areas.
Safety signs
Placarding storage areas
Where gases are stored in excess of the quantities shown in Table 1 (an extract of Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulation 2001 (PDF, 658 kB)), placarding must be erected.
Table 1 Gas quantities requiring placards
| Gas class | Quantity (water capacity in litres) |
|---|---|
| Class 2.1 | 500 (e.g. 10 G size cylinders) |
| Class 2.2, sub-risk 5.1 | 2,000 (e.g. 40 G size cylinders) |
| Class 2.2 (without sub-risk) | 5,000 (e.g. 100 G size cylinders) |
| Class 2.3 | 50 (e.g. 1 G size cylinders) |
Where the placarding quantities in Table 1 have been exceeded an Outer warning placard stating 'HAZCHEM' as shown in Figure 2, must be visible from every entrance to the premises.
Figure 2 Outer warning placard
Information placards are required to be placed at the following locations where gases are stored in excess of the placarding quantity:
Placarding is not required where the only gas present is liquefied petroleum gas in cylinders outside a building, connected to appliances by piping.
- the main point of entry into a building
- at either the main point of entry to a room or enclosure or other area
- adjacent to the where the gas cylinders are being stored.
Information placards may take two forms:
- Those for tanks (gas cylinders that have a water capacity of 500L or more) need to be in the format shown in Figure 3 displaying, the proper shipping name, UN number, class diamond label and HAZCHEM Code.
- For package stores, the placard consists of the Class diamond for each class of gas stored in excess of the placarding quantity. The class diamonds must be at least 100 mm in diameter and not confused or obstructed by other signs or objects. (Note: Packages are those cylinders that are less than 500 litres water capacity.)
Figure 3 Tank information placard
Markings on cylinders
Gas cylinder marking for oxygen
Gas cylinders and their hazardous properties can be readily identified by recognition of gas cylinder markings as follows:
Class 2.1 Flammable gas
Examples: LPG, hydrogen, acetylene
Class 2.2 Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Examples: compressed air, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, helium.
Class 2.2, Sub-risk 5.1
'Oxidising gas'
Examples: oxygen, nitrous oxide, Entonox (50% oxygen, 50% nitrous oxide).
Class 2.3 Toxic gas
Examples: methyl bromide, anhydrous ammonia, chlorine.
Under the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Legislation gas cylinders are required to be labelled with the following, as shown below:
- class label and any subsidiary risk labels
- the proper shipping name
- a four digit United Nations number
- Manufacturer/importer's name.
Figure 1 Gas cylinder markings
Gas cylinder marking for oxygen
In addition, to the markings shown in Figure 1, a cylinder will also be required to have other markings which are stencilled onto the cylinder near the neck of the cylinder these will include:
- the tare weight
- serial number
- owner's name
- test pressure
- retest date
- manufacturer's stamp
- water capacity.
Water capacity is the equivalent water volume of the cylinder in litres.
Manufacturers paint gas cylinders using a colour coded system that is useful in identifying gas cylinders. You should consult the manufacturer's product catalogues for colour charts with this information.
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