How to Safely Store Compressed Gas Cylinders

At Air Source Industries, customer safety is our utmost importance. Our certified technicians care for and maintain your gas cylinders as part of your rental agreement. If you ever have any issues with your cylinders you rented from us, contact us right away and we’ll take care of it.

Proper cylinder safety, storage and handling is key. Our goal is to help you avoid dangerous situations by educating you on how to properly handle and store compressed gas cylinders in a safe manner. Cylinders come with a SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS) that contains information on products and their contents. Make sure to read the sheet before handling any of the cylinders. Improper handling of cylinders can be very hazardous because the compressed gas is under high pressure.

Here are some general safety best practices when handling compressed cylinders:

• Have a designated area just for compressed cylinders. The area should be away from combustible items or electrical equipment, easily accessible, and have labeled warning signs.
• Keep secured in an upright position at all times. You’ll want to have the cylinder chained to a wall and fastened ¾ of the way up the cylinder.
• Always inspect all cylinders before storing to make sure they are not damaged or hazardous. Check for leaks, sounds or odors coming from the cylinders. Check the last time the cylinders were inspected. All cylinders have labels with the last test date. Cylinders usually are re-certified every 5 – 10 years.
• Install a pressure-reducing regulator on the valve before use and ensure it is applied correctly and everything is securely tightened to prevent leakage.
• Keep valves closed when not in use or transporting and never lift the cylinder by the valve cap.
• Keep away from direct sun, snow and harsh environmental conditions.
• Store in a ventilated & dry area. A cylinder in a closed room or area could potentially have gas build up if there’s any leak.
• Don’t re-paint your cylinders. Each cylinder has a specific color to indicate to suppliers the types of gas it can support. If a cylinder is filled with a different gas than it can handle, the cylinder may rupture or explode.

In case of a fire or emergency, call 911. Make sure to quickly evacuate the area and alert any other employees to do the same. If you have been exposed to chemicals or gases, remove any contaminated pieces of clothing. If you suspect a leak or spill, refer to the SDS for the proper procedures to handle the situation. If you’re ever unsure on how to handle a minor emergency situation please contact your gas supplier’s response team for assistance or refer to the Safety Data Sheet for further guidance and precautions. If you can’t find your Safety Data Sheet, please reach out to your supplier and request a copy to keep on the premises at all times.

Air Source Industries is proactive on proper safety practices to ensure a safe workplace for everyone. We make sure our cylinders are up to industry standards before filling and delivering them to your business.

Contact us today about renting cylinders or our cylinder testing and repair services. Our knowledgeable staff will help you get setup with what you need and answer your safety and handling questions. Call our gas experts at (562) 426-4017 or get a gas delivery quote online today.