Guidelines for compressed gas cylinders:

							                      Guidelines for Storage of Compressed Gas Cylinders

Permits and annual inspections are required for the storage use and handling of specified quantities of
compressed gases. See Fire Code Article one section 105. (Usually, the amounts for use and storage of
nontoxic gas exceeding 200 CF require inspections and permits). An inventory of compressed gas
cylinders shall identify each product and use. When any product cannot be identified it shall be processed
as a hazardous waste, and disposed of in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Material Safety Data Sheets: (MSDS) shall be readily available on the premises for the use of inspectors
and incident responders. Placing MSDS in protective three ring binder/s located at the fire department
response point or building entryway is common practice. Label the binder MSDS. This binder should
also contain a chemical inventory, including average amounts in stock, and a map indicating product
location. The map should be oriented from the fire department response point.

Fire Extinguishers: Extinguishers shall have a rating suitable to the hazard presented. For gases and
greases, and petroleum based products similar to the hazard a gas station would present for example, a
20BC ten pound fire extinguisher is recommended. The location of an extinguisher must be easily
distinguishable or a sign is required to indicate its location. Extinguishers shall be mounted with the top
not higher than five feet. Those extinguishers exceeding the five pound weight shall be mounted with the
top not higher that three feet above finished grade.

Marking: Cylinders are to be marked with the product contained and furthermore will have nationally
recognized symbols or signs indicating the common dangers, hazards and precautions.

The entrances of buildings, rooms or areas where compressed gas cylinders are stored will be marked in
accordance with the signage requirements of NFPA 704. Signs shall be placed at entrances where
flammable materials are stored which prohibit open flame and smoking and sources of ignition within 25
feet of the storage.  Container and area markings shall be visible from any direction of approach.

Piping systems, manifolds, gas delivery piping is required to be marked with the product name including
use of an arrow on the piping to indicate the direction of flow. Such markings are to be at each valve and
each change of direction and at wall, floor or ceiling penetrations and a minimum of every 20 feet along the
piping run. The location of emergency shut off valves and the direction of operation are to be marked.

Storage Areas for Compressed Gases: Do not store LP gas in basements or pits or under floors, or areas
below grade unless approved ventilation is provided. Heavier than air vapors will pool, creating a
hazardous condition. See your Material Safety Data Sheet for recommended storage practices.

Containers for compressed gases shall not be stored within paths of egress or exitways

Containers for compressed gases shall not be stored on roofs, and shall be located in such a manner that
minimizes exposure to excessive temperature rise, physical damage or tampering.

Except where containers are designed to be used in a horizontal position, all compressed gas cylinders and
tanks containing non-liquified gases shall be stored in a “valve end up” upright position , such storage may
include an inclination of 45 degrees from the vertical.

Compressed gas cylinders must be secured to sturdy building elements or carts, or shall be chained up to
prevent their movement. They may also be secured in racks, frameworks or cabinets.

Cylinders and tanks not secured, may float away in flooding conditions.    In major flooding conditions it is
not unusual to see propane tanks floating down the rivers and streams.

Cylinders falling and breaking/breaching valves tend to rocket around the area until the compressed gas is
expelled. In a similar manner when subjected to heat or fire impingement the metal safety plug can melt
expelling compressed gas through the small opening, rocketing around the area causing possible injury to
fire fighters and workers. In a recent fire at a large cylinder processing plant, breached cylinders traveled
through roofs, and doors of adjacent businesses and through a neighborhood to a distance of ½ mile.

Containers in Outside Storage: Shall be kept ten feet from property lines, grass, brush, trash, weeds,
other combustible materials. When exposed to vehicle traffic, containers shall be protected with
guardrails or bollards installed in accordance with building department requirements.

Containers shall be protected from direct contact with soil or unimproved surfaces. The surface area upon
which containers are placed shall be graded to prevent accumulation of water.

Containers are allowed to be sited or used in the sun except in locations where extreme temperatures
prevail. When extreme temperatures prevail, overhead covers shall be provided.

Security: Areas where compressed gas cylinders are stored should be secure and cylinders should be
protected from indoor/outdoor traffic and incidental contact.

Valve Protection: Protect valves with caps, collars or similar devices. These safeties are to be in place at
all times except when a compressed gas container is in use or being serviced or filled.

Resources:
       For compressed gas general regulation see California Fire Code Article 74
       For Oxygen systems see Uniform Fire Code Standard 80-2
       For cutting and welding see California Fire Code Article 49
       For CNG dispensing see California Fire Code Article 52
       For cryogenic fluids see California Fire Code Article 75
       For compressed gas classified as a hazardous material see California Fire Code Article 80
       For LP gas requirements see California Fire Code Article 82
       For hazmat or flammable gas hazard warning signage see NFPA 704