Gas cylinders are heavy when filled with pressurized gas and can cause damage if mishandled or ruptured. They must be handled and stored carefully according to safety regulations to prevent injuries or accidents. Cylinders should only be moved using proper lifting techniques and equipment due to their weight. Safety precautions include restricting cellar access, securing cylinders, using protective equipment, and training employees in proper handling.
Gas cylinders are heavy when filled with pressurized gas and can cause damage if mishandled or ruptured. They must be handled and stored carefully according to safety regulations to prevent injuries or accidents. Cylinders should only be moved using proper lifting techniques and equipment due to their weight. Safety precautions include restricting cellar access, securing cylinders, using protective equipment, and training employees in proper handling.
Gas cylinders are heavy when filled with pressurized gas and can cause damage if mishandled or ruptured. They must be handled and stored carefully according to safety regulations to prevent injuries or accidents. Cylinders should only be moved using proper lifting techniques and equipment due to their weight. Safety precautions include restricting cellar access, securing cylinders, using protective equipment, and training employees in proper handling.
Gas cylinders are heavy when filled with pressurized gas and can cause damage if mishandled or ruptured. They must be handled and stored carefully according to safety regulations to prevent injuries or accidents. Cylinders should only be moved using proper lifting techniques and equipment due to their weight. Safety precautions include restricting cellar access, securing cylinders, using protective equipment, and training employees in proper handling.
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Handling and Storage of Gas Cylinders
Dispense gas cylinders are heavy and are filled with gas held under high pressure. If a cylinder discharges or ruptures (perhaps through mishandling), the damage is likely to be considerable.
Cylinders must be handled and stored in accordance with the Manual Handling Regulations 1992 and other health and safety guidelines.
Handling and storage of gas cylinders
Standard size dispense gas cylinders weigh about 16kg when empty and around 20kg when filled (depending on the gas or gas mixture), and larger cylinders can be nearly five times heavier.
Perhaps even more importantly, they are filled with gas held at high pressure and, if a cylinder discharges or ruptures there are likely to be serious consequences.
Gas cylinders must be handled and stored carefully in accordance with the Manual Handling Regulations 1992 and other health and safety guidelines.
Trust the experts
BOC Sureflow's dedicated Sales Service Personnel are fully trained in manual handling procedures. They will deliver your cylinders and are on-hand to offer advice and guidance on all aspects of managing and handling dispense gases and equipment in the cellar, safely.
Guide to manual handling procedures
ALWAYS keep cylinder stocks to the necessary minimum for your volume of trade only use cylinders filled by a reputable gas supplier who fills and regularly tests cylinders in accordance ALWAYS with current safety regulations ALWAYS return gas cylinders to the supplier you purchased them from – and to no-one else have spare washers available to replace worn washers which may cause leaks at the cylinder ALWAYS connection
NEVER fill one gas cylinder from another - this is extremely dangerous NEVER carry gas cylinders in a car or other closed vehicle NEVER connect gas cylinders to any equipment other than the primary regulator NEVER drop, throw or mishandle cylinders NEVER use cylinders for anything other than storing and delivering dispense gas NEVER oil or lubricate cylinder valves
In the cellar
The cellar, where cylinders are stored, handled or connected, should be checked periodically to make sure it is a safe working environment.
Here are some of the safety precautions which should be observed to avoid risks to people working in the cellar: ALWAYS restrict entry to the cellar, allowing only trained persons to enter and work there ALWAYS display appropriate warning signs and safety procedures ALWAYS ensure the cellar is adequately ventilated ALWAYS clean up spillages immediately to prevent slipping hazards ALWAYS ensure the cellar has adequate lighting ALWAYS secure cylinders safely, whether in use or not
NEVER stand cylinders on uneven floors. The cylinder may fall, causing injury or damage NEVER obstruct access to or from the cellar, which can prevent escape in the event of an emergency
Safe handling of dispense gas cylinders
Incorrect handling of heavy, awkward cylinders can cause personal injury; particularly to the back, neck or arms. The risks involved in moving cylinders will differ depending on the nature of the cellar.
In underground cellars, manoeuvring cylinders in the drop of a stair requires special consideration.
Large cylinders should only be stored in underground cellars where there is suitable access and lifting equipment to move or handle them safely.
ALWAYS use protective gloves and footwear when handling cylinders
ALWAYS use suitable equipment such a trolley or mechanical lift for moving large cylinders ALWAYS carry cylinders close to the body ALWAYS secure cellar flaps during delivery of cylinders and protect the opening with barriers
NEVER lift a cylinder over 25kg in weight by yourself; this can cause muscle strain or back injury NEVER lift cylinders above chest height NEVER reach for and lift cylinders from behind stacks of crates or kegs; this can cause strain or injury
Manual handling is also involved in the movement of casks, kegs, crates, cases and other materials. You should ensure that staff moving such objects are trained to:
use correct techniques for lifting heavy objects
consider the weight and balance of loads reduce the size or weight of the load wherever possible for easier and safer handling
Storing unused cylinders
ALWAYS store and secure the cylinder in an upright position
ALWAYS return all empties to the gas supplier you purchased them from ALWAYS store full cylinders in an area away from cylinders in use
NEVER store cylinders where they may come into contact with water NEVER store next to a direct heat source; e.g. radiators, coolers etc. NEVER stack objects in front of cylinders. Reaching over objects to lift cylinders can cause back injury
Storing cylinders which are in use
ALWAYS secure cylinders in an upright position with a chain
ALWAYS connect to a primary regulator valve, either directly or through a high pressure hose ALWAYS keep away from sources of heat check the cylinder label before using it. Ensure that the correct gas mixture is connected to the line ALWAYS (BOC Sureserve labels are colour coded for easy identification)
NEVER touch a frosted cylinder. Frosting usually indicates a rapid release of gas NEVER try to unscrew the valve fittings on the cylinder
Using a trolley for moving several cylinders reduces the risk of injury and saves time.
Carrying a cylinder close to the body reduces the stress on the back.
