Handling Your Compressed Gas Safely
Helpful Advice
Advice: Assess your cellar for hazards
- Regularly check the cellar to identify any safety risks.
- Minimise risks by allowing access only to trained personnel.
- Display clear warning signs outlining safety measures.
- Ensure the cellar is properly ventilated.
- Be aware: leaks from cylinders or hoses in confined spaces can reduce oxygen levels, leading to serious injury or death.
- Safe systems of work should identify all hazards and ensure the correct controls are in place.
- A CO₂ sensor should be installed to detect carbon dioxide and protect personnel.
- Never tamper with cylinders.
Advice: Handling cylinders
- Only trained personnel should handle compressed gas cylinders.
- Connect cylinders only to primary regulators.
- Damaged or broken valves can turn cylinders into dangerous projectiles.
- Never attempt to unscrew a cylinder valve fitting.
Advice: Manual handling
- Handle and store cylinders in line with the Manual Handling Regulations 1992.
- Do not drag, slide, or roll cylinders. Use the handle or a cylinder trolley.
- Never lift cylinders above chest height.
- Do not drop cylinders or strike them against each other or hard surfaces.
- Do not use the valve cover to lift cylinders, as it may detach. Dropping a cylinder on a hard surface could cause an explosion.
- Do not force connections that do not fit.
- Do not touch a frosted cylinder directly with bare hands.
Advice: Storage of cylinders
- Cylinders must be secured at all times to prevent tipping.
- Avoid placing cylinders on uneven floors.
- Secure cylinders, whether full or empty, with suitable materials such as chain or plastic-coated wire cable.
- Store cylinders upright wherever possible.
- Keep cylinders away from direct heat, sunlight, or high temperatures.
- Do not store gas cylinders in public hallways or other unprotected areas.
- Protect cylinders from damage; avoid storing them where heavy objects could fall on them.
- Do not overstock cylinders.