While having the odd gas cylinder around may be common place in your workplace, they represent an often-underestimated risk. It may be easy for the location of your gas cylinders to be a complete oversight, keeping them wherever there’s free space, or close to where you need them, however there are a lot of important factors that should play a part into where they end up around your worksite.

Location is vital

A little forethought and planning goes a long way when it comes to increasing the safety of your workplace. Your gas cylinders should be kept vertically on the ground floor. If indoors, in a well ventilated storage area made out of non-combustible materials. If outside, keep out of direct sunlight, preferably in a weather sealed structure that is well protected from the elements so that there is no risk of damage to the structural integrity of the gas cylinders.

Pictured: Aerosol Storage Cage

Stay away from populated areas

The higher amount of people and movement around the cylinders, the higher the risk factor. There’s more chances of people who aren’t equipped, aware, or don’t have the knowledge around the safety requirements of working with dangerous gases, so avoid putting them near large walkways, doorways, offices, eating areas – anywhere that is likely to be a thoroughfare for humans.

Make sure the area is well ventilated

While storage of gas cylinders aren’t recommended indoors, if you are planning on keeping them there it should be a designated storage space, pre-planned for this use. Generally, there should be an industrial ventilation system within the storage space, in order to prevent any possible buildup of escaped gases. If indoor storage is the case in your workplace, try to avoid having an unnecessary number of spare cylinders on site if possible.

Pictured: Heavy Duty Gas Cylinder Storage Cabinets

Separate your used & unused Cylinders

While it’s important to separate any hazardous chemicals and incompatible gases, it’s equally important to separate your used and unused Cylinders. While the overall weight of the cylinder can be an obvious sign of the status of its use, it’s worth having a clear label system to prevent any risks of miscommunications in storage. Keep in mind there is also mandatory placards that should be in use around the storage area at your workplace.

Finding the right storage solution can be difficult, and each company will have its own experience in navigating the workplace for the perfect solution for them. We here at Backsafe Australia offer custom solutions featuring 12-month warranties, at the best quality the industry has to offer.

We understand that that every business is different, so we maintain a client focused range of products to help you find the best solution for your workplace. Have a look at our range of products here, and if you still aren’t sure which option will work for you give us a call on 1300 305 314 or send us an email at sales@backsafe-australia.com.au.