SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE

08PR301C STORAGE AND HANDLING OF GAS

CYLINDERS

Brierty Ltd ABN 65 095 459 448

72 Melville Parade South Perth WA 6151
Locked Bag 2001 South Perth WA 6951
Telephone (08) 9267 8000
Facsimile 1300 735 152
info@brierty.com.au
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF GAS CYLINDERS
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE

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

Date Version Description Originator Reviewer Approver

24/10/08 1 Safe Work Procedures S Hart S Hart T Abrahams
21/01/10 2 Safe Work Procedures Upgrade S Hart E Kelman S Hart
23/07/10 3 New Document Control guidelines K Berridge S Hart

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.

Flammable: Capable of being ignited and of burning.

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.

4.2 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

 Eye protection
 Safety footwear
 Appropriate protective gloves
 Hearing protection
 Self-contained breathing apparatus should be considered where toxic gases are kept/handled or in
areas where oxygen levels are low.

DOCUMENT1 29-OCT-18 3 OF 7
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF GAS CYLINDERS
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE

4.3 SECURITY OF STORAGE AREA

 All storage areas shall be appropriately secured against access by unauthorised persons.
 All stores should display signage reading “DANGER: NO SMOKING, NO IGNITION SOURCES” and
‘WARNING RESTRICTED AREA, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY”.

4.4 PRECAUTIONS FOR THE STORAGE OF GASES IN MINOR QUANTITIES.

Storage of gases in cylinders, in quantities not exceeding table, shall be classified as minor storage:

Class Max, aggregate water capacity L

2.1 (flammable gases) 500
2.2 (non-flammable, non-toxic gases) 2000
2.2 with class 5.1 subsidiary risk 1000
2.3 (toxic gases) 50

Areas in which cylinders are kept shall be:

 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.

4.5 CONSTRUCTION AND LOCATION OF STORES

 Stores shall be located on the ground floor unless specific approval has been gained.
 Base or floor shall be constructed of non-combustible materials (e.g. paved), be level and have
suitable drainage.
 Do not store near building openings if possible. If cylinder (max. 25L) is stored below a window, a
distance of min. 4.5m between the top of the cylinder and the bottom of the window must apply.
 Walls and roof shall be clad with non-combustible materials.
 Bollards, crash barriers or other protective devices shall be installed where there is a risk of
cylinders being damaged by vehicular impact.
 Electrical equipment shall be installed in accordance with AS3000.
 Ignition sources shall not be located in a store.
 Doors shall open outwards or be of a roller type which can be opened from inside the store.
 Adequate lighting must be provided.
 Do not store within any bunded areas of flammable liquid storage.

4.6 INDOOR STORAGE

Indoor storage should be avoided where possible. If cylinders must be stored indoors the following
shall be followed:

 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.

Cylinders shall be kept in a manner so that:

 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.

4.8 FIRE PROTECTION FOR MINOR STORES

Appropriate fire extinguishing equipment must be available in all areas of storage, filling, decanting and use.

4.8.1 In the event of fire:

1. When cylinders of flammable gas are on fire:

o Follow site specific emergency procedures or procedures outlined on relevant MSDS

sheet.

2. Where cylinders of gas are in or near a fire:

o Do not approach as hot cylinders may explode.

o Move cool, undamaged cylinders out of the fire area if safe to do so.
o If cylinders cannot be moved, keep them cool, from a safe place, with water spray.
o Where oxygen or nitrous oxide is feeding a fire – attempt to cut off the source as soon
as possible.
o All cylinders, which have been heated or involved in fire, shall be returned to the
supplier.

4.9 TRANSIT STORAGE

The following specifies the requirements for the temporary storage of gases in cylinders and other
dangerous goods being held in the storage area with them when in transit.

 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

4.10 MOVEMENT OF CYLINDERS ON SITE

 Cylinder valves shall be closed and valve protection devices in place.
 Suitable trolley should be used for moving cylinders in an upright position. Cylinders should be
securely retrained.
 Cylinders shall not protrude horizontally from any device used for their movement.
 Cylinders shall not be dropped or rolled over the side of trucks.
 Care shall be taken not to damage the cylinder valves.
 Smoking is prohibited.
 Any ventilation systems shall be operated.
 Gas shall not be discharged directly from a cylinder into the atmosphere, except in controlled
manner and for specific purpose (e.g. purging and depressurizing equipment).

4.11 PRECAUTIONS FOR FLAMMABLE GASES:

 Hazardous areas surrounding stores containing flammable gases shall be identified.
 Work permits must be issued for any maintenance work carried out in hazardous area and the
introduction of any active or potential ignition sources into the area.

4.11.1 Precautions for acetylene

 Flashback arresters shall be fitted to the cylinders.
 Store in an upright manner. Cylinders contain a solvent (usually acetone) and a solvent mass and
solvent may be lost if not kept upright.
 Cylinder valve shall be opened slowly, as rapid withdrawal can lead to static electricity sparks, or
solvent loss, leaving the acetylene at high pressure.
 Cylinders shall be handled carefully to prevent shocks. They shall not be dropped or allowed to
strike each other.
 If the cylinder shows signs of external heating, the valve shall be closed if safe to do so and the
cylinder sprayed with water.
 Avoid copper and brass reticulation so explosive compounds cannot be formed.

4.11.2 Precautions for LP Gas

 500L in any 200m2 of floor space may be stored. Storage limit is reduced to 350L if floor space is
less than 200m2. Each bank of 500L must be separated by min. 15m.
 LP gas cylinders may be stored together on trolleys if the aggregate capacity of cylinders does not
exceed 160L and the aggregate capacity of LPG cylinders does not exceed 110L/
 Avoid using LP gas cylinders indoors where practicable.
 Cylinders installed next to a building may be kept together to a maximum aggregate capacity of
2500L per group. Each group shall be divided by 3m.
 The outlet valve should be kept closed on empty cylinders (not gas freed) and cylinders which have
been refilled.
 Filling should take place in a ventilated area 6m away from a protected place and 3m away from a
public place, boundary, drain, pit, and basement or LP gas storage tank. An emergency shut off
device should be fitted to the filling device. Cylinders (other than one being filled) shall be stored
min. 1m from filling equipment.
 Cylinders larger than 25L shall not be filled by decanting. Decanting cylinder shall not be used or
stored indoors. If decanting from a tank, the hose shall be a min. 3m from the tank.

4.11.3 Precautions for oxidizing gases:

 Only equipment delivered that is cleaned, sealed and certified as being useable with the oxidizing
gas shall be used.
 Lubricants and sealants shall not be used in the connection of oxygen equipment.

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