Gas Safety

Handling and Storage of Gas Cylinders

Standard size dispense gas cylinders weigh about 16kg when empty and around 20kg when filled (depending on the gas or gas mixture), and larger cylinders can be nearly five times heavier.

Perhaps even more importantly, they are filled with gas held at high pressure and, if a cylinder discharges or ruptures there are likely to be serious consequences.

Gas cylinders must be handled and stored carefully in accordance with the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work ( General Applications) Regulations 2007, Chapter 4 of Part 2 and other health and safety guidelines.

Guide to manual handling procedures

The basics


ALWAYS	keep cylinder stocks to the necessary minimum for your volume of trade
ALWAYS	only use cylinders filled by a reputable gas supplier who fills and regularly tests cylinders in accordance with current safety regulations


NEVER	fill one gas cylinder from another - this is extremely dangerous
NEVER	carry gas cylinders in a car or other closed vehicle
NEVER	connect gas cylinders to any equipment other than the primary regulator
NEVER	drop, throw or mishandle cylinders
NEVER	use cylinders for anything other than storing and delivering dispense gas
NEVER	oil or lubricate cylinder valves

In the cellar

The cellar, where cylinders are stored, handled or connected, should be checked periodically to make sure it is a safe working environment.

Here are some of the safety precautions which should be observed to avoid risks to people working in the cellar:


ALWAYS	restrict entry to the cellar, allowing only trained persons to enter and work there
ALWAYS	display appropriate warning signs and safety procedures
ALWAYS	ensure the cellar is adequately ventilated
ALWAYS	clean up spillages immediately to prevent slipping hazards
ALWAYS	ensure the cellar has adequate lighting
ALWAYS	secure cylinders safely, whether in use or not


NEVER	stand cylinders on uneven floors. The cylinder may fall, causing injury or damage
NEVER	obstruct access to or from the cellar, which can prevent escape in the event of an emergency

Safe handling of dispense gas cylinders

Incorrect handling of heavy, awkward cylinders can cause personal injury; particularly to the back, neck or arms. The risks involved in moving cylinders will differ depending on the nature of the cellar.

In underground cellars, manoeuvring cylinders in the drop of a stair requires special consideration.

Large cylinders should only be stored in underground cellars where there is suitable access and lifting equipment to move or handle them safely.


ALWAYS	use protective gloves and footwear when handling cylinders
ALWAYS	use suitable equipment such a trolley or mechanical lift for moving large cylinders
ALWAYS	carry cylinders close to the body
ALWAYS	secure cellar flaps during delivery of cylinders and protect the opening with barriers


NEVER	lift a large cylinder; this can cause muscle strain or back injury
NEVER	lift cylinders above chest height
NEVER	reach for and lift cylinders from behind stacks of crates or kegs; this can cause strain or injury

Manual handling is also involved in the movement of casks, kegs, crates, cases and other materials. You should ensure that staff moving such objects are trained to:

use correct techniques for lifting heavy objects
consider the weight and balance of loads
reduce the size or weight of the load wherever possible for easier and safer handling

Storing unused cylinders


ALWAYS	store and secure the cylinder in an upright position
ALWAYS	return all empties to the gas supplier
ALWAYS	store full cylinders in an area away from cylinders in use


NEVER	store cylinders where they may come into contact with water
NEVER	store next to a direct heat source; e.g. radiators, coolers, ice machines etc.
NEVER	stack objects in front of cylinders. Reaching over objects to lift cylinders can cause back injury

Storing cylinders which are in use


ALWAYS	secure cylinders in an upright position with a chain
ALWAYS	connect to a primary regulator valve, either directly or through a high pressure hose
ALWAYS	keep away from sources of heat
ALWAYS	check the cylinder label before using it. Ensure that the correct gas mixture is connected to the line (BOC Sureserve labels are colour coded for easy identification)