Lifting and storage of gas cylinders has led to accidents and near misses, and expert information is required for proper handling of gas cylinders.
Lifting of gas cylinders
Gas cylinders (full and empty) must be treated with care. They must not be thrown, knocked over or subjected to strong shocks or knocks. Protective caps over the valves must be in place. During transport, the cylinders must be positioned and secured so that they cannot roll, knock against each other, or fall.
Lifting of gas cylinders must be carried out using lifting mechanisms approved for this type of lifting.
- Control and confirm that the basket for lifting gas cylinders is approved and in order.
- Verify that the lift is within the crane’s legal lifting capacity.
- Is the safety equipment working properly?
- The right lifting equipment for the lifts in question?
- If visual inspection does not reveal defects/damage to them, padeyes must be used.
- Is the load to be lifted properly and legally fastened?
- WIND: Cranes must not be used at wind speeds beyond what is justifiable.
Outdoor storage of gas cylinders
When stored outdoors, the gas cylinders should be placed in an open environment so that fire does not easily spread.
Equipment must be stored in accordance with user manual and in such a way that it does not spoil/deteriorate.
Security measures must be implemented to prevent unauthorised persons from gaining access to flammable liquids.
The temperature of surfaces exposed to direct sunlight on a hot summer’s day is presumed to reach up to 60 degrees Celsius. Consequently, packaging and pressure vessels not intended to withstand such temperatures must be placed in a shaded area.
Indoor storage of gas cylinders
Equipment must be stored in accordance with user manual and in such a way that it does not spoil/deteriorate.
Buildings or rooms where flammable substances are handled must have satisfactory natural or mechanical ventilation to protect against fire, explosion, and other accidents. Flammable substances must not be stored in rooms or places used as an escape route.
When stored without the use of shelves, it should not be stored at more than 2 pallet heights to prevent it from collapsing. Flammable gas and flammable liquids category 1 and 2 should be stored separately, and if possible, also separate from other types of flammable substances.
In the event of serious adverse events and/or personal injury, the nearest manager must be immediately notified.
Unwanted incidents must always be notified to the immediate superior/manager and RUH must be established.