How to Store Gas Cylinders Safely
by Richard O'Connor
Jul 07, 2021 | *5 minutes to readKnowing how to handle compressed gas storage cylinders safely in the workplace is crucial. Many industries use different types of bottled gas for various purposes, but in the end, the risk they pose is the same.
Thousands of gas bottle-related accidents occur annually in workplaces across the country, and many factors can contribute to this. These include poor staff training, incorrect installation and inaccurate filing procedures when handling sensitive compressed gas bottles.
Keep reading this quick and handy guide for an overview of how to safely store and handle gas cylinders, as well as all the up-to-date legal guidance surrounding this issue.
How should gas cylinders be stored?
Gas cylinders should be stored in well-ventilated places, away from areas where there could be possible ignition sources. This is incredibly important for two reasons:
- By storing the gas bottles in well-ventilated and preferably outdoor areas, you are decreasing the risk of build-up in the case of a leak, which can have devastating impacts on the environment and wildlife.
- Keeping your gas bottles away from possible ignition sources is vital to avoid damaging consequences, including possible explosions. Always keep gas bottles far away from naked flames.
Gas bottles should always be stored in vertical positions to reduce the chances of harmful gas leaks and messy spillages. Gas Cylinder Stands with chains or other appropriate securing measures should also be used to keep the bottles in place and prevent them from toppling over. The same applies to Gas Cylinder Trolleys, ensuring bottles do not topple when transported.
Security is important to prevent accidents and thefts, especially in places like construction sites where propane is used frequently, but could also be easily accessed by anyone who gains access to the site.
Do empty and full gas bottles need to be stored separately?
Yes, they do. Empty gas containers should be stored in a separate area (or gas bottle cage) away from full ones to avoid confusion. However, whether they are full or empty, gas bottles with (or had) the same contents should always be grouped to prevent any mix-ups.
How do I know if a gas bottle is empty?
All gas bottles are labelled with all the necessary information you require, including the tare disk weight. To check how much gas you have left if your bottle, or if it's empty, you simply need to weigh it. For example:
The total weight of a gas bottle is 25kg – the bottle weighs 13kg, and the gas itself weighs 12kg. If you want to check how much gas is remaining, place the bottle on a scale and if they show 14kg and the original bottle weight was 12kg, this would mean there is 2kg of gas left in the bottle.
On certain varieties, the window on your changeover unit will display a red colour indicator if your cylinder is empty.
With this being said, an LPG gas cylinder might seem empty but could still contain LPG vapour – so you should treat all LPG gas cylinders as if they were full.
What are the legal requirements surrounding gas bottle storage?
There are specific guidelines outlined by HSE which should be followed for maximum safety for yourself, your staff and any equipment you have in your workplace. These include:
- The maximum size of any LPG cylinder stack should not exceed 30,000kg
- Cylinders should be stored preferably in the open air on a concrete or load-bearing surface
- Containers should be stored with their valves uppermost
- For storage indoors, no more than 5000kg may be stored in each purpose-designed building compartment and;
- A maximum of five compartments may exist in a single building.
The BRITISH COMPRESSED GASES ASSOCIATION (BCGA) also outlines some recommended minimum requirements for how to handle gas cylinders, including:
- All personnel shall wear appropriate PPE
- Cylinders shall not be rolled along the ground; this may damage or even open the valve and will also damage identifying labels, marks and symbols
- A cylinder shall not be moved with the valve open
Top tip: The Manual Handling Operations Regulations (3) require first that an assessment of manual handling operations is conducted. Following the assessments, training should take place. Where the assessment indicates that the work exceeds guideline limits, the process should be mechanised or handling aids provided wherever practicable.
Which type of signage is required on gas bottles?
Compressed gas cylinders are required by law to carry and display hazard warning signs and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) warning symbols to minimise the risk of injury.
It is also essential to clearly identify which cylinders are full and which are empty. Empty cylinders should be marked as such, as full and empty cylinders require a different level of care and handling.
Our top Gas Cylinder Safety Storage Tips
No matter what industry you are working in, if you keep compressed gas cylinders on site, it is vital to ensure you have taken all the proper safety precautions. Here is a reminder of the critical points to ensure you have implemented the appropriate safety measures when storing gas cylinders:
- Don’t use gas cylinders in the horizontal position – in the event of a leak, use detection fluid to trace it
- Don’t change gas cylinders in the presence of naked flames
- Always display safety and operating notices prominently
- Always store cylinders following legal requirements
- Never store below ground level, as any leakage will collect at low levels
- Don’t use tools to operate gas cylinder valves – these should be firmly tightened or opened by hand only.
We hope you have found this guide on gas bottle storage safety to be useful. Please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team if you have any questions on gas cylinder storage.
Explore More Topics
Portable Containment Bund - Compatibility Chart
Selecting suitable equipment for chemical storage and spill control depends on verified material compatibility. This guide summarises how common substances interact with PVC with a protective proofing layer (PES/PVC), enabling...
Colorful Classrooms: Leveraging Floor Matting and Adjustable Furniture to Create Engaging Spaces
Learning environments are evolving to meet the needs of students who think, move, and learn differently. Colourful classroom spaces that combine thoughtful design with vibrant visual elements are more than...
Entrance Mat Sizing Guide
Have you ever purchased a mat only to find it's too small to catch dirt or too large for your doorway? Selecting the right-sized mat is essential, not just for...
What Are the Most Eco-Friendly Floor Mats?
Have you ever paused at your front door and wondered if your doormat is eco-friendly? We often focus on recycling and reducing energy use in our homes, but even a...
Which Floor Mats Can You Use Outdoors?
Have you ever stepped outside your door and slipped on a wet, ineffective mat? Or perhaps you've noticed your once-attractive mat has deteriorated rapidly after being exposed to rain and...
How to Fit a Recessed Door Mat
Recessed door mats keep your entryway tidy and safe by fitting flush with your floor. If you have an existing matwell or frame, installing coir...
Why Branded Floor Mats Are a Smart Business Investment
Have you ever considered the importance of your entrance area to your overall business image? Are you making the most of every opportunity to showcase your brand?...
5 Benefits of Using Cable Protectors
Cable protectors are a great way to ensure your cables stay safe and in place. They can be used for many everyday purposes, such as preventing tripping hazards, covering unsightly...
Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with the Right Doormat
Have you ever walked up to a house and immediately felt like this is a house you want to own, even before even stepping inside? That first impression is...
The Versatility of Floor Mats: More Than Just the Front Door
When most people think of floor mats, the front door is the first place that comes to mind. While it’s true that entrance mats are essential...
Ergonomic Workstations: Things You Need to Know When Setting One Up
Creating an ergonomic workstation is essential for maintaining employee well-being, increasing productivity, and improving staff retention. Poorly designed workstations can lead to discomfort, musculoskeletal issues, and decreased efficiency. This guide...
How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors Using Entrance Mats
Hardwood floors add warmth and elegance to any home, but keeping them looking pristine requires careful maintenance. One of the biggest threats to hardwood flooring is the dirt and grime...
The Different Textures of Entrance Matting and Their Benefits
Entrance mats may seem like a simple addition to your home or business, but not all mats are the same. A mat's texture is crucial in how well it...
What Vegans Need to Know About Door Mats
This article has been written by our Director, Richard O’Connor, who has been exploring how well door mats can align with vegan values. As a vegetarian making more vegan choices...
6 Tips for using a Standing Desk Correctly
As people are becoming more aware of their fitness levels and ways in which they can stay healthy, standing desks have increased in popularity because those who have previously had...
5 Creative Ways to Use Your Logo on Products to Boost Brand Awareness
Businesses today compete for attention across countless platforms. Customers have more choices than ever, so brand loyalty is becoming harder to secure. In this landscape, a brand’s image needs to...
The Different Surfaces of Anti-Fatigue Matting Explained
Understanding the different surface textures of anti-fatigue matting is essential for selecting the right one for your workspace. Anti-fatigue mats come in various textures, each designed to provide specific benefits...
Industrial Matting Fact Sheet
Introduction Industrial matting plays a crucial role in maintaining safety, comfort, and efficiency in various work environments. This fact sheet provides essential information about the different types of industrial mats,...
How to keep warm at work: Cost-effective ways to beat the bills
Are you concerned about your business running costs now that energy prices have gone through the roof? Electricity prices have increased 74% for large industrial units in the past...
The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry
The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry Are slips, trips, and falls costing your business dearly? Is your workforce underperforming? Are you missing expertise on the floor...
4-Day Work Week in the UK - Key Facts & Statistics
The world of work has seen a lot of change since the beginning of the 2020s, and — in turn — many companies have placed employee well-being at the top...
From Nut to Mat - How Coir Matting is Made
Door mats might not stand out as being the most obvious product to boast an interesting manufacturing history, but the truth of the matter is that coir...
A Quick Guide to Storing Small Chemical Products Safely
Introduction This blog post provides a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled 'Storing Chemical SR24 Products (small scale)'....
Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related MSDs Statistics
Executive Summary: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Statistics in Great Britain This article provides a comprehensive summary of the key findings from the Health and Safety...
Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics
Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics This article is compiled by First Mats and provides an executive summary of the
The Costs to Britain of Workplace Accidents, Injuries and Ill-Health: HSE Report Summary
An Executive Summary of the HSE Report: Costs to Britain of Workplace Fatalities and Self-reported Injuries and Ill Health Published in November 2023, this report presents the latest estimates of...
The Environmental Impact of Generator Spills and How to Mitigate Them
Generators, while vital in modern life for a variety of applications, come with certain environmental risks. When not managed properly, spills from these machines can have devastating effects on our...
How to Prevent and Clean Oil Spills in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide
Workplace oil spills are more than just an inconvenient mess; they present serious risks to employee safety and the environment. Several pieces of legislation in the UK, such as the...
AdBlue: Its Risks to Health and the Environment
In an era where environmental responsibility and sustainable practices take centre stage, understanding the various components of these efforts is paramount. One such component, extensively used in the automotive industry,...
The Best Colour Door Mats for People With Dementia
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning, affecting memory, thinking speed, language, understanding, judgement, mood, and movement. It impacts more than 850,000 people in the...
Tips for Moving Plasterboard Safely and Efficiently
Plasterboard, also known as drywall, is a common material used in construction and renovation projects. While it's a versatile and useful material, moving plasterboard can be challenging due to its...
Understanding UDL: Uniformally Distributed Load
What Does UDL Mean? UDL, or Uniformally Distributed Load, is a term used in the field of manual handling equipment to describe the weight capacity of a particular piece of...
Bund Integrity Testing - What You Need to Know
As a responsible business owner, protecting your assets should be one of your top priorities. One approach to securing your assets is using portable bunding solutions, such as
The Complete Guide to Foam Impact Protectors: Enhancing Workplace Safety
Impact Protection Foam is a vital component in industrial environments, serving as a crucial safeguard against injuries caused by impacts with hard surfaces. Designed with a...
Rising Stress Levels in the UK and the Impact on Workers - Facts and Statistics
A recent study conducted by First Mats has highlighted the growing issue of stress among the UK population. Our survey of over 1,000 UK adults found that more...
Mats for Wudu / Ablution Areas in Mosques
Here at First Mats, we have an extensive selection of wet room matting ideal for Wudu/ Ablution areas in Mosques and other spiritual sites. The outstanding water drainage, anti-slip...
The Most Unsafe Places to Work in Britain (2023)
The Health and Safety Executive releases updated figures on workplace injuries and fatalities annually, and its latest report has...
Workplace Safety Facts and Statistics
Workplace-related injury is shockingly high in the UK. And statistics from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show that thousands of UK workers are injured or killed on the...
A Simple Guide to ISO 14001 Certification
ISO 14001 certification is a globally recognised standard for implementing an effective environmental management system. It is designed to help organisations reduce their environmental impact, manage resources more efficiently, and...
How to Remove The Smell from Rubber Mats
Rubber mats are versatile and extremely useful in various applications, from gyms to warehouses to garage floors. They are naturally durable, flexible and have a long lifespan. However, amongst all...
Flyball - The Everything Guide
Are you looking for a new activity to enjoy with your dog? Perhaps you want to help socialise your pup while providing excellent exercise that stimulates their brain, agility, and...
How to Charge Your Electric Car if You Don’t Have a Driveway
Are you considering buying an electric car, van, or moped? If you have your own driveway, it’s easy to charge your EV — but what happens if you don’t? How...
The Importance of Doormats & How They Can Save You Money
Most of us are considering how we can save money around the home right now. But for business owners, cost-cutting has become essential to sustaining a long-term business. And while...
How to Deal with Wet Floors in Warehouses
Did you know that slips and falls are the most significant cause of non-fatal injuries in UK workplaces? And what’s most frustrating is that most of...
Fire Safety Facts and Statistics UK
Fire safety is one of the cornerstones of health and safety – fires are among the most devastating accidents that can happen in the home or the workplace, both in...
The Best Anti-Fatigue Mats by Job Role
Anti-fatigue mats are one of the best, most cost-effective ways of improving health and safety at your premises and boosting employee productivity and engagement. There are many different available, so...
Rubber Sheet Types and Applications
Rubber sheets are used in a broad spectrum of different industries, for an equally broad range of reasons. From gaskets and seals to shock absorption and anti-vibration padding, rubber is...
The Best Matting for Kennel Flooring
The flooring you choose for your kennel will have a big impact on how much time you have to spend on cleaning and maintenance, how often you have to replace...
Manual Handling Equipment Types
Manual handling injuries are one of the most common types of injury in the United Kingdom workplace, accounting for thousands of incidents every single year. As well as the legal (and...
What does Shore A Hardness Mean?
Shore hardness scales are the way in which different materials are measured for their hardness – it allows people to accurately compare the relative hardness of different items, much as...
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, we’re here to help
How long does delivery take?
Each product comes with a specified lead time for delivery. We'll keep you informed if there are any delays in meeting this timeline.
Typically, once you’ve finalised your order and approved the proof, it will take 4-5 business days to make and deliver your finished mat.
If my order is damaged, can I return or exchange it?
Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.
Can I get my mat delivered more quickly?
Need your item in a hurry? Just Contact us to explore the faster delivery options we might have for you!
If my custom mat is damaged, can I return or exchange it?
Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.