Since gas is a highly flammable material, it’s essential to follow all safety recommendations to keep commercial spaces safe for workers and visitors. In this article, we offer an overview of the best practices in gas bottle storage, as well as information on why it’s good to invest in a gas bottle storage cage.
HSE Guidelines For Gas Bottle Storage
The HSE establishes certain guidelines that must be followed when storing flammable materials like gas. The guidelines are divided into these categories:
- Location: Before storing flammable substances in a particular location, you must do a risk assessment and choose the least hazardous place in terms of vandalism risk, proximity to other flammable items, areas where water may pool, emergency exits and traffic routes.
- Ventilation: Gas cylinders must be kept in a well-ventilated area of the warehouse, whether it’s naturally or mechanically ventilated. Where possible, storage units should have no roof and/or have mesh walls and doors.
- Handling: Hazardous substances must be adequately identified as per CHIP and CLP labelling requirements.
- Layout: The storage layout should make it easy to spot leaks and spills, and each individual cylinder must be easily accessible. The layout must also provide enough separation between gas bottles and other flammable or toxic substances and oxygen tanks. The distance varies depending on the amount and type of gas stored. You can see the details here.
- Transportation: Gas cylinders should only be moved in and out of their storage location by trained operators. This should be done using the most appropriate transport for each gas type (special forklift attachments or cylinder trolleys for compressed or liquefied gas).
Any breach of these guidelines can cause harm and carry financial penalties, so it’s important to regularly assess your gas storage systems and equipment to ensure full compliance. But in some cases, complying with gas storage regulations can get complicated, especially if your warehouse space is limited.
At Steps & Stillages we understand this concern, and that’s why we’ve created a range of gas storage and handling solutions that satisfy both safety requirements and space maximisation needs.
Our Product Range Includes:
- Gas cylinder cages for LPG and compressed gas. These are suitable for outdoor storage and provide protection against the elements and unauthorised access, while ensuring adequate ventilation.
- A variety of premium high-capacity cages, including walk-in units.
- Fire resistant gas storage cabinets, which can safely store between 1 and 4 cylinders.
What Next?
We can also supply your warehouse with high-quality forklift cages and hand trolleys for safe gas bottle transportation, as well as custom-made gas storage equipment. Please get in touch to find out more.
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