Gas Cylinder Storage

PHOTO SHOWS →Proper outdoor storage example: 

cylinders upright, secured, separated, and capped — a safe condition when all required rules are followed.

What You Are Looking At

• Pressurized gas cylinders stored in outdoor racks
• Oxygen (typically green), fuel gas such as acetylene/propane (typically red), and other industrial gases
• Common in welding shops, fabrication areas, auto repair, and maintenance facilities

Why This Is a Serious Concern

• Unsecured cylinders can tip → valve breaks → cylinder becomes a high-speed projectile
• Oxygen + fuel gas stored together can create an explosion hazard if even a small leak occurs
• Missing valve caps expose the valve assembly to impact damage
• Heat, sparks, or poor ventilation increase the fire and rupture risk

Good Condition (Acceptable)

• Cylinders upright and secured with chain or strap at ~⅔ height
• Oxygen and fuel gases separated by 20 ft or a ½-hour fire-rated wall
• Valve protection caps installed when cylinders are not in use
• Stored outdoors or in a well-ventilated location, away from heat and vehicle traffic
• ABC fire extinguisher within 30–50 ft and visible “NO SMOKING – COMPRESSED GAS” signage

Fix Needed — HIGH PRIORITY (Explosion / Fire Hazard)

• Cylinders lying on their sides or not secured
• Oxygen and fuel cylinders stored together without proper separation
• Missing valve caps
• Stored indoors without ventilation or near ignition sources
• No extinguisher or missing warning signs

Corrective Actions & Recommendations

1. Immediate:
   Upright and secure cylinders, add chains/straps, install missing caps, and separate oxygen/fuel cylinders by 20 ft or add a fire-rated barrier.
2. Within 7 days:
   Relocate cylinders outdoors or to a ventilated area; install required signage; position an ABC extinguisher within 30 ft.
3. Ongoing:
   Check hydro-test dates (oxygen ≈ every 10 years; acetylene ≈ every 5 years) and maintain a monthly inspection log.

Report Wording Suggestions

Good:
“Compressed gas cylinders stored upright, secured, separated by more than 20 ft, valve caps installed, clear signage, and extinguisher present.”

Fix Needed – High Risk:
“Cylinders unsecured and/or oxygen and fuel gases stored without required separation. Immediate explosion hazard. Recommend upright/secure cylinders today, install caps, achieve 20-ft separation or fire barrier, and relocate to ventilated area with proper signage and extinguisher.”

LCA Certified Inspector Motto

"Chain it. Cap it. Separate it. Rec it"

Disclosure

This card summarizes common safety expectations for compressed gas cylinder storage. Requirements can vary by cylinder type, fuel gas used, manufacturer guidance, and local fire code enforcement. Always verify OSHA 1910.253, NFPA 55, and the requirements of your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).