Rules for storing gas cylinders complement, but differ from, rules for using them. Although storage rules depend somewhat on the kind of gas in the cylinders, some general rules apply:

• Store all cylinders in designated areas.

• Store and use cylinders on a first-in, first-out basis.

• Label every cylinder with the name of the gas it contains. Never remove identifying labels.

• Chalk " MT or "empty" on all empty cylinders.

• Keep all empty cylinders for the same kind of gas together. Separate full cylinders from empty ones.

•Keep fuel gas cylinders well away from oxygen cylinders. The regulations require that oxygen cylinders in storage be separated from fuel-gas cylinders and combustible materials by at least 20 ft ( 6.09 m ) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 ft (1.5 m) high and having a fire-resistance rating of at 1hour.

• Store cylinders outside whenever possible, but always protect them from the weather and from direct sunlight. Cylinders that must be stored inside should be placed in a dry, well-ventilated storage area, preferably constructed of fire-resistant materials. The roof and walls should not leak. Exposure to damp air or to corrosive chemicals or fumes can rust cylinder valves. Serious accidents may occur when rust eats through a fuel-gas cylinder.

• Never store any gas cylinder where the temperature may rise above 130°F of (54°C).

• Never store cylinders near elevators, truck-loading platforms, or gangways; under operating cranes; or where something might drop on them, hit them, or knock them over.

• Place caps on cylinders that are being stored or moved.

• Use the same safe practices for storing cylinders as for handling them. Do not use magnetic cranes. Do not lift cylinders by their caps. Cylinders other than liquid fuel-gas and acetylene cylinders may be stored horizontally when absolutely necessary. Fuel-gases such as propane and propylene are always liquid inside the cylinder; they become gas only when they exit the cylinder. Always keep these liquid cylinders upright to prevent a sudden burst of liquefied gas from coming out of the torch. Acetylene cylinders should always be stored upright. An acetylene cylinder that has been stored horizontally will emit a burst of acetone instead of acetylene.

• Keep unauthorized persons away from the cylinder storage area. Use a lock or fence if necessary.

• Never try to refill cylinders to mix gases in a cylinder or transfill gas from one cylinder to another.

• Make sure leaking cylinders or cylinders with stuck valves are properly tagged and moved to a safe outdoor location. Notify the supplier to pick them up.

When oxygen cylinders are stored, some special precautions must be observed:

• Store oxygen cylinders at least 20 ft (6.09 m) from fuel-gases and other combustibles such as oil, grease, gasoline, paint, and dirty rags. Keep oxygen cylinders stored near combustibles behind a 1 hour fire-resistant wall or barrier at least 5 ft (1.5 m) high.

• Post "No Smoking-Oxygen" signs around the oxygen storage area.

Special rules for storing fuel-gases exist to keep leaks from becoming dangerous and to keep fires, should they occur, from spreading:

• Place conspicuous "No Smoking" signs around all fuel-gas storage areas.

• Never store fuel-gas cylinders in a room heated by an open flame.

• Keep fuel-gas cylinders at least 20 ft (6.09 m) from oxygen cylinders and well away from electrical equipment, open flames, and cigarette smoking.

• Never store anything else in an indoor storage area or building containing flammable gases.

Inside storage must be in accordance with the local fire regulations.

View our Safe Cylinder Transport Policy.