To ensure safety and compliance, gas cylinder stores must be constructed according to the requirements of AS 4332 - The storage and handling of gases in cylinders. This post discusses some of the key requirements of the Standard including the location of the cylinder stores, the physical construction, and the need for suitable ventilation systems.
Wherever possible, gas cylinders should be stored outside. Storing gas cylinders outside means that leaked gases often have the chance to dissipate naturally into the environment without incident.
Compressed gases create significant hazards when stored in confined spaces. Some Class 2.2 gases present an asphyxiation risk, as the gas can quickly replace the oxygen in a room. Escaped Class 2.1 Flammable Gases can create an explosion hazard, while exposure to Class 2.3 Toxic Gases can cause serious injuries, impairments or fatalities.
Refer to your safety data sheet and your onsite risk assessment to determine the specific hazards associated with your gas bottles.
When deciding on the best location for your cylinder store, the Standard requires that you choose a location that is:
IMPORTANT: The Australian Standard AS 4332:2004 states that an outdoor cylinder store must be free standing, with at least 40% of its wall area fully open. The gas cylinder store must also be fenced and secured against unauthorised access.
Are you searching for an answer to ‘How to build a gas cylinder cage?’ Or are you concerned that your gas bottle storage doesn’t meet the requirements of the Australian Standards?
In this section of our post, we’ll be explaining the requirements that relate to the design and construction of your gas cylinder stores.
When storing gas cylinders, you must not only think about the construction of your store, but also the position, ventilation and maintenance of the store.
Gas cylinder storage cages must be constructed from non-combustible materials. These gas bottle cages should sit on a level floor or base, to ensure stability for the gas cylinders.
The base of the store should be paved or concreted, so that it will retain its integrity in all weather conditions. Bitumen and other soft surfaces prone to indentation are not suitable base covers.
Our Dangerous Goods Storage Consultants recommend purpose-built gas cylinder storage cages when keeping cylinders outside. Our gas cages are designed and constructed to meet all of the requirements of the Australian Standards, so you can ensure you’re meeting your WHS compliance obligations.
Gas cages are often a more practical, convenient and affordable option for the storage of gas cylinders.
Here’s 10 key reasons why Storemasta gas cages can help you create a safer workplace:
Due to the chemical and physical risks associated with gas cylinders, your workplace must ensure that gas cylinder storage allows for the dissipation of hazardous gases.
The Standard explains that gas cylinder storage must provide adequate ventilation to ensure safety and compliance.
Make sure that your gas bottle cage or store can effectively:
The Standard is very specific about the requirements of both natural and mechanical ventilation systems and Section 4.3 contains a number of schematic drawings to demonstrate how various systems must be constructed.
IMPORTANT: As per the requirements of the Australian Standard, gas cylinder stores must have enough lighting so that the markings on cylinders, plus operational and safety equipment, can be read. Care must be taken when installing electrical fittings to ensure they will not create sparks or static electricity and cannot be impacted by the cylinders.
For more detailed information about the requirements for gas bottle cages and gas cylinder stores, we encourage you to download our free eBook. Gas Cylinder Storage: Compliance and safety requirements unpacks the requirements in clear, easy-to-read text. You’ll also find real world examples and case studies in our eBook, which can help you apply the requirements at your own workplace.