As the residents of coastal Southwold discovered in 2023, gas cylinder explosions can cause major damage. About 50 firefighters were called to the scene in which a number of wooden buildings and huts were ablaze. While there weren’t any serious injuries or fatalities, the incident served as a serious warning.
Whether storing gas cylinders at home or work, precautions should be taken based on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. Read on as we highlight the means of ensuring HSE compliance, with details of how to store gas cylinders and what signage is required.
How to Store Gas Cylinders at Home and Work
As highlighted in the HSE guidelines for gas cylinder storage, such vessels are often used for the containment and transportation of toxic and flammable chemicals. Although the amount contained in a single cylinder may be quite small, there will still be a risk. And this risk will increase when a large number of cylinders are kept together.
Typically heavy and unstable due to the base diameter to height ratio, cylinders can easily topple over and are physically hard to move. The release of above-atmospheric pressure puts people and property in direct danger. This may result from the deliberate or inadvertent use of the outlet valve, the application of heat (as in a fire), or the failure of the cylinder wall. Relevant HSE regulations should be followed in all instances, no matter whether the cylinders are full or empty.
Gas cylinders will ideally be stored as follows:
- In a well-ventilated area (with outside and flat-level storage being best in most instances)
- In an upright position (with chains potentially being used to prevent toppling)
- With full and empty cylinders kept separate and stock being rotated so that the oldest cylinders are used first
- With additional separation based on the categories of contained gases (flammable, inert, oxidant etc.)
- With clear and legible signage to highlight potential hazards.
Gas cylinders shouldn’t be kept below ground level or used in areas where gas is prohibited (e.g. high-rise flats). Nor should they be stored close to corrosive, toxic, or oxidant material. And no more than 30 kg of butane (2 x 15kg gas bottles) should be stored in a domestic property.
Vital Guidelines and Regulations
Storage of gas cylinders regulations in the UK specify the need to carry out rigorous risk assessments, considering the suitability of the location in terms of ventilation, layout and proximity to hazardous materials. HSE Codes of Practice such as HS(G)51 Storage of flammable liquids in containers and HS(G)40 Safe handling of chlorine from drums and cylinders should be referred to for guidance on separation distances.
These general principles should also be followed:
- Keeping drummed flammable liquids and compressed / liquefied gases outside where possible for the dispersal of vapours
- Ensuring that there are an adequate number of sufficiently sized openings for ventilation in the event of indoor storage
- Making safe use of racking and freestanding storage based on the kinds of chemicals and container construction
- Giving operators appropriate training in the handling of spills and emergencies.
Apart from the HSE’s storage of gas cylinders regulations, UK duty-holders should also ensure compliance with guidelines such as the UKLPG Code of Practice. In particular, all compressed gas cylinders should be marked with appropriate safety signage. This should specify key safety details such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) symbol and gas composition.
Ensuring Compliance with Label Source
From gas identification tape to cylinder safety status tags, you can count on Label Source for signage to ensure the safe storage of gas cylinders in workplaces and at home. With clear text and colouring our signage indicates potential hazards and risks for the awareness of residents and visitors.
These types of signage are available from Label Source:
Order directly on our website or give us a call on 0800 3761 693 to discuss the arrangement of bespoke/custom gas safety signage.
