Proper gas cylinder storage safety guidelines are essential to ensure the safety of individuals, property, and the environment. Gas cylinders can pose significant risks if not handled and stored correctly. Adhering to safety measures not only ensures compliance with regulatory standards but also prevents accidents such as leaks, fires, and explosions.
Whether you are storing small quantities of butane indoors or larger volumes of propane outdoors, understanding and implementing gas cylinder storage safety guidelines is crucial.
Butane Cylinders
- Indoor Use: In residential settings, you may use up to two butane cylinders, each not exceeding 15kg. Additionally, you can store up to two spare cylinders indoors, provided their combined weight does not exceed 15kg.
Propane Cylinders
- Storage Requirement: Propane cylinders must always be stored outdoors.
General gas cylinder storage safety guidelines for storing 70kg to 400kg of gas bottles:
- Distance from structures: Ensure the storage area is at least 1 metre away from site boundaries, buildings, or other structures. If a fire wall is present, this distance requirement may be adjusted.
- Vehicle access: Only vehicles delivering LPG should be allowed within 1 metre of the storage area.
- Proximity to hazardous materials: Keep the storage area free from flammable liquids, and do not store corrosive, oxidising, or combustible materials within 3 metres of the LPG storage. Compressed oxygen cylinders should be stored at least 10 metres away from flammable gases like propane, butane, and dissolved acetylene.
- Building openings: Avoid placing LPG storage within 2 metres of openings into buildings, pits, or cellars.
- Ventilation and maintenance: Maintain a well-ventilated storage area, keeping it clear of rubbish and weeds to prevent potential hazards.
- Emergency egress: Ensure that LPG storage does not obstruct or endanger escape routes from the premises.
- Clear signage: Clearly mark the storage area with appropriate safety notices to inform personnel of potential hazards.
- Prohibition of below-ground storage: Do not use or store cylinders below ground level or in high-rise flats where gas storage is prohibited.
- Security measures: Secure the storage area to prevent unauthorised access or tampering. Utilising lockable cylinder cages is recommended for added security.
- Applicability to empty cylinders: These safety measures apply to both full and empty cylinders, as empty cylinders may still contain residual gas and pose risks.
For fixed installations, ensure that the site is located outdoors to minimise potential hazards. Adhering to these guidelines will help maintain a safe environment when storing gas cylinders.