Before you install your Storemasta Gas Bottle Storage – Premium Range, we recommend that you identify the safest and most practical area onsite. While stores can be either inside or outside, outdoor storage for gas cylinders is best practice.
Some of the biggest risks when storing compressed gases in cylinders are leaks, and this is the key reason why indoor storage of gas cylinders should be avoided wherever possible.
If a gas leak occurs outdoors, in many instances the gas will be dispersed safely. But indoors, a whole room or building can quickly fill with gas. When gas like LPG — which is highly flammable and denser than air — collects in low areas instead of dissipating, accumulated gas remains in its explosive range.
While the Gas Bottle Storage – Premium Range is a ready-made solution for Class 2 gases, there are some considerations to make before you install and set-up your storage equipment.
Remember: The rules of segregation do apply, so make sure you only store compatible gases within the store – and not a combination of aerosols and gas cylinders as this is a dangerous and non-compliant practice.
To install and set-up your Gas Bottle Storage – Premium Range, you need a safe, secure and level site.
We recommend the following considerations when installing your Storemasta Gas Bottle Storage – Premium Range:
Like all hazardous chemicals, compressed gases must be segregated and separated according to their gas and hazard class. Segregation is about isolating incompatible gases from one another, whereas separation is about physically separating the gas cylinder stores away from site machinery and operations; pedestrians and traffic; other dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals.
In the Standard, the following gases must be segregated by at least 3 metres:
The 3 metre segregation rule also applies to combustible materials, refuse and vegetation.
NOTE: Segregation distances can vary according to the hazard class of each gas, plus the quantities being used and stored at your worksite.
As most* Gas Bottle Stores are configurable within the Premium Range, you have the option to store different capacities of either aerosols, cylinders or gas bottles.
Configurable parts include:
You must adjust your store to ensure you are using the correct hazard controls for your stored Class 2 gases.
*Check Storage Capacity on each product page to see the quantities available for storage within each model. Note: GSC 9 and GSC 10 are only suitable for bottles and cylinders, not aerosols. These larger models also have FIXED restraint bars that can't be adjusted.
There are a series of shelf lug positions to suit various bottle sizes. You may move the shelving up or down to suit your needs, affixing the shelf lug in the appropriate position. Always make sure the lugs are placed evenly around the walls, in a straight horizontal line – so the shelving is secure and even.
How to Add in Chains
Chain restraints are clipped to the walls within the gas store to prevent bottles or cylinder from falling forward when the doors of the cage are opened. You can simply attach the chain restraints at the wall and secure your cylinders in place.
When you are changing your storage from one gas type to another (such as aerosols to LPG or flammable gases to toxic gases), you must ensure that not only the adjustable shelving and chains suit your needs – but that the store does not have any residue that could spark a hazard.
Check your Safety Data Sheet for the accidental release clean up methods, and apply this clean up strategy to your Gas Bottle Store – Premium Range. After you have ensured that your gas store is clean and free from residue, you will then change out the hazard controls (also wiped down and free of residue). You’ll also have to change the signage to suit your new gas division.
Simple steps when changing gas type:
REMEMBER: Storemasta’s Premium Range comes with a pack of DG diamonds, so you can change your signage when you change your stored gases.
Gas cylinders should always be stored upright in a secure safety cage and restrained by chains or safety straps. Valves must be closed, attachments removed, and safety caps in place.
The Standard also requires that -
Gas cylinders are bulky and awkward, so they create a significant manual handling risk. Not only are they heavy, but their slim design makes them unstable when standing. Australian Standard AS 4332is very clear about handling gas cylinders and specifies the following:
Additionally, you should ensure that your staff are trained to:
According to the Standard, empty cylinders must be afforded the same precautions as full cylinders. Make sure they are used, stored and handled in the same manner as if they were full — this includes being properly segregated and separated. What this effectively means for your workplace, is you need additional cylinder stores for your empties. Because (just as if it were full) you cannot store an empty O2 cylinder with empty LPG cylinders.
Call 1300 134 223 or email sales@storemasta.com.au to learn more about gas safety and storage for your workplace.