Storing Gas Cylinders

Some gas cylinders may be large, heavy and relatively unstable due to the small base-diameter to height ratio

Gas cylinder storage

Compressed, refrigerated and/or liquefied gas cylinders shall be stored in accordance with BCGA CoP 44. Where only LPG cylinders are held, store these in accordance with Liquid Gas UK CoP 7.

Always store cylinders appropriately

  • Store cylinders in a well-ventilated, preferably outside on a level, well-drained surface. A covered storage area may be needed for some gases (for example, medical gases), but any roof should be arranged so as not to significantly affect ventilation
  • Store cylinders vertically and secure them (with chains, etc) to prevent toppling
  • Store full and empty cylinders separately, rotating your cylinder stock holdings so the oldest cylinders are used first
  • Segregate cylinders by the property classification of the gas (flammable, inert, oxidant, and so on)
  • Ensure appropriate signage is used and is legible.

Comprehensive details of storage requirements are given in the British Compressed Gas Association CoP44. (Please check the BCGA website for the most up-to-date version).

Make yourself aware of the properties of the gases

There are specific storage requirements for certain gas cylinder products.

Storage of cryogenic, liquefied and heavier-than-air compressed gases shall only be considered after assessing and controlling the risks, including those of gases collecting in low-lying areas such as drains, basements and ducts.

BCGA Use of a partition to achieve separation distances
BCGA: Use of a partition to achieve separation distances

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