Cylinders Usage & Storage Requirements

Cylinders must be kept away from radiators and other sources of heat.

Cylinders may be moved by tilting and rolling them on their bottom edges; they must not be intentionally dropped, struck, or permitted to strike each other violently.

Inside of buildings, cylinders must be stored in a well-protected, well-ventilated, dry location, at least 20 feet from highly combustible materials such as oil. Cylinders should be stored in assigned areas away from elevators, stairs, or gangways. Assigned storage spaces must be located such that cylinders will not be knocked over or damaged by passing or falling objects or subject to tampering by unauthorized persons. Cylinders must not be kept in unventilated enclosures such as lockers or cabinets.

Oxygen cylinders in storage must be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.

Empty cylinders must have their valves closed. If the cylinder is designed to accept a cap, the valve protection cap must always be in place and hand-tightened, except when the cylinder is in use or connected for use.

Fuel gas and oxygen manifolds must be placed in safe, well-ventilated, and readily accessible locations; they must not be located within enclosed spaces. Cylinders, whether full or empty, must not be used as rollers or supports.

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