Fuel-Gas Cylinders Usage & Storage Requirements

Fuel gas must not be used from cylinders through torches or other devices which are equipped with shutoff valves without reducing the pressure through a suitable regulator attached to the cylinder valve or manifold.

The cylinder valve must always be opened slowly to prevent damage to the regulator. For quick closing, valves on fuel gas cylinders must not be opened more than 1.5 turns. When a special wrench is required, it must be left in position on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use so that the fuel gas flow can be shut off quickly in case of an emergency. In the case of manifolded or coupled cylinders, at least one wrench must always be available for immediate use. Nothing must be placed on top of a fuel gas cylinder when in use.

Inside a building, cylinders, except those in use or attached and ready for use, must be limited to a total gas capacity of 2,000 cubic feet or 300 pounds of liquefied petroleum gas.

Oxygen cylinders and fittings must be kept away from oil or grease. Cylinders, cylinder caps, valves, couplings, regulators, hose, and related equipment must be kept free from oil or greasy substances and must not be handled with oily hands or gloves. Oxygen must not be directed at oily surfaces, greasy clothes, or within a fuel oil or other storage tank or vessel.

Acetylene cylinders must be stored with the valve end up.

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