Handling and Storage of Gas Cylinders

Dispense gas cylinders are heavy and are filled with gas held under high pressure

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

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 regulations

ALWAYS

return gas cylinders to the supplier you purchased them from – and to no-one else
ALWAYS

have spare washers available to replace worn washers which may cause leaks at the cylinder connection

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 cylinder over 25kg in weight by yourself; 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 you purchased them from

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 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)

NEVER

touch a frosted cylinder. Frosting usually indicates a rapid release of gas

NEVER

try to unscrew the valve fittings on the cylinder

Using a trolley for moving several cylinders reduces the risk of injury and saves time.

Carrying a cylinder close to the body reduces the stress on the back.