Storing Cylinders
1. Store cylinders in an upright, secured position; use
bottle/cylinder racks wherever possible.
2. Place cylinder valve caps on all cylinders once the
regulator is removed.
3. Keep stored oxidizers (e.g., oxygen, chlorine)
separated from flammable gas cylinders by at least
6.1 m (20 ft) or by a 1.5 m (5 ft) high, noncombustible
barrier (30 minute fire rated).
4. Store cylinders in dry, well-ventilated areas.
5. Keep cylinders away from direct flame, sunlight,
electrical connections, and other ignition sources.
6. Do not allow cylinders to have direct contact with the
ground or be exposed to extreme weather.
7. Do not store cylinders at temperatures exceeding
54 °C (130 °F). Outside storage areas will usually
require protective shelters.
8. Properly identify and separate empty and full
cylinders.
Handling and Transporting Cylinders
1. Properly secure cylinders in an upright position
during movement and transport.
2. Never lift a cylinder by its valve.
3. Do not use slings, ropes, or electromagnetic devices
to lift cylinders. Use specially designed cylinder
carriers with lifting eyes.
4. Ensure all cylinders are labeled with their contents.
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5. Do not strike cylinders together, drag, drop, or use as
a support.
6. Fully close valves and place cylinder cap on valve
when moving cylinders.
7. Use cylinder trolleys, material baskets, cylinder racks,
and other approved types of equipment to transport
cylinders.
8. Treat cylinders marked EMPTY as a possible hazard.
No cylinder is completely empty of gas.
9. Equip vehicles transporting cylinders with the
required firefighting and first aid equipment.
Using Cylinders
1. Do not connect, disconnect, or use compressed gas
cylinders unless you have been trained.
2. Inspect cylinders for damage, corrosion, valve
leakage, and hydrotest date before use. Do not use
damaged or defective cylinders.
3. Immediately remove leaking cylinders to an open
space, clear of personnel and ignition sources.
4. Use fittings with threads that match the cylinder
valve outlets. Never force a fitting onto a cylinder.
5. Use attachments with suitable pressure rating and
material for the gas (e.g., no copper tubing).
6. Do not use oil or grease as a lubricant on valves or
attachments.
7. Use approved pressure-reducing regulators with
a check valve connected to the cylinder valve.
8. Position pressure relief valves (if required) to face
away from structures and combustible materials.
9. Do not open valves on cylinders more than 1-1/2
turns. Open and close valves by hand.
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10. Always close the cylinder valve before attempting to
stop leaks.
11. Do not place cylinders in confined spaces or next to
excavations. Ensure the area has adequate ventilation.
12. Never use compressed gases for cleaning persons,
clothing, or other surfaces.
13. Protect cylinders from direct flame, sunlight, and
other heat sources.
14. See the Cutting, Welding, and Brazing safety topic
for requirements when using compressed gas
cylinders for oxygen-fuel welding and cutting.
