FIR/Specific/TBT-FIR-003

LPG and Gas Cylinder Storage

Fire Safety › Specific › LPG and Gas Cylinder Storage

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LPG cylinders and compressed gas bottles are used on construction sites for heating, cutting, welding, and drying equipment.
LPG is heavier than air — leaked gas accumulates at low level in trenches, basements, and confined areas, creating explosion risk.
Gas cylinders must be stored upright, chained or strapped to prevent falling, in a well-ventilated outdoor location.
Cylinders must be separated by type — LPG, oxygen, and acetylene must be stored at least three metres apart.
Full and empty cylinders must be stored separately and clearly labelled to prevent confusion and mishandling.
Gas cylinder storage areas must be at least three metres from site buildings, boundary fences, and combustible materials.
Cylinders must never be stored below ground level, in basements, or in areas where leaked gas could accumulate.
Leaking cylinders must be moved outdoors into open air, away from ignition sources, and the supplier contacted.
Flash-back arrestors must be fitted to all oxygen and acetylene equipment to prevent flame travelling back into cylinders.
Gas cylinder handling requires proper training — dropping, dragging, or rolling cylinders on their valve can cause rupture.

Explosion risk	LPG is heavier than air and accumulates silently — a single ignition source can trigger a devastating explosion.
Fire spread	Gas cylinders in a fire can explode violently, creating fireballs and shrapnel that kill anyone in the vicinity.
Correct storage	Separating gas types, securing cylinders upright, and maintaining ventilation are simple measures that prevent catastrophic incidents.

Don't

Store all gas cylinders upright, secured with chains or straps to prevent toppling.
Separate LPG, oxygen, and acetylene cylinders by at least three metres in storage.
Keep storage areas well-ventilated, outdoors, and away from ignition sources.
Label full and empty cylinder areas clearly and keep them separated.
Check all cylinder connections, hoses, and regulators for leaks before each use.
Fit flash-back arrestors on all oxy-acetylene equipment to prevent flame travel.
Move leaking cylinders to open air immediately and contact the gas supplier.
Handle cylinders with care — use proper cylinder trolleys, not brute force.
Keep a suitable fire extinguisher within reach of all gas cylinder use areas.
Close cylinder valves and replace protective caps when not in use.

DON'T store gas cylinders below ground, in basements, or in poorly ventilated areas.
DON'T store LPG, oxygen, and acetylene together — maintain the three-metre separation.
DON'T position cylinder storage near site buildings, fences, or combustible materials.
DON'T mix full and empty cylinders — confusion leads to incorrect handling.
DON'T use gas equipment with leaking connections, perished hoses, or faulty regulators.
DON'T use oxy-acetylene equipment without flash-back arrestors fitted to both lines.
DON'T try to stop a major cylinder leak yourself — evacuate and call the supplier.
DON'T drop, drag, or roll cylinders on their valve — damage can cause catastrophic failure.
DON'T leave cylinders in direct sunlight for prolonged periods — heat increases internal pressure.
DON'T leave cylinder valves open or caps off when cylinders are not in active use.

See also: Fire Safety Awareness on Site | Flammable Materials Storage

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