NOTE: Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and cryogenic containers are not considered compressed gas cylinders for the purpose of this section.

1. Compressed gas containers including valves, pressure relief devices, and markings shall not be modified or repaired except by the vendor.
2. Except where allowed by plant procedure, compressed gas shall not be transferred between containers. All other containers, unless specifically designated to do so and intended for that use, shall be refilled by a vendor.
3. Unlabeled containers shall not be used onsite. If there is any doubt about container contents, the container shall not be used.
4. Non-refillable containers shall not be refilled.
5. All compressed gas cylinders, full or empty, shall be secured in a vertical or horizontal position to prevent falling or rolling at all times whether in storage or in transport. (Exception: Cylinders containing acetylene must be stored or transported in a secure vertical position.)
6. Cylinders shall be secured by means sufficient to ensure they cannot readily be knocked over. Examples of materials to sufficiently secure cylinders include 3/8 in. rope, #9 tie wire, chain, or equivalent approved by the site safety coordinator.
7. Cylinders shall always be considered as full and handled with appropriate care.
8. Empty cylinders shall be tagged or marked EMPTY. The valve shall be closed and, if available, the valve protection cap replaced. Hand wheels or wrenches provided by the vendor shall be used to operate cylinder valves.
9. Before a regulator is removed from a container, the valve shall be closed, and the regulator pressure shall be discharged.
10. Before making connection to a cylinder valve outlet, except that of a hydrogen cylinder, open the valve slightly to clear particles, dust, or dirt from the opening.
11. Compressed gas cylinders are considered “in-use” whenever in use or connected for use. Refer to Fleet Safety Position Statement 3004 for additional information.
12. Compressed gas cylinder caps (if designed for a protection cap) shall be in place except when cylinders are attached to dispensing equipment. They shall be sealed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
13. Type of gas, pressure, and serial number information located on the shoulders of cylinders is required by regulation and shall not be obscured by tape or paint.
14. A mechanical device, such as a hand truck, shall be used for transporting cylinders whenever possible. Cylinders may be rolled on end, but safe lifting techniques must be used whenever manually moving cylinders.
15. Gas cylinders shall not be hoisted or lowered using a sling directly attached to the cylinder, an electric magnet, or the valve protection cap. Hydraulic tailgates or other approved methods shall be used in lowering cylinders from trucks.
16. Personnel shall not ride on elevators or remain inside the personnel airlock while transporting compressed gas cylinders. This requirement does not apply to breathing air or non-hazardous ambient air cylinders, such as used for instrument testing.
17. Due to the hazard of fire and explosion, take precautions to keep grease and oil away from oxygen cylinders, valves, regulators, hoses, and other fittings.
18. When storing cylinders containing oxidizers, they shall be separated from combustible materials and/or fuel and gas cylinders by a minimum distance of 20 feet or by a 5 foot tall barrier having a ½-hour fire rating.
19. Flammable gas containers, including propane cylinders, stored inside of buildings shall be kept at least 20 feet from flammable liquids, highly combustible materials, and oxidizers, and not near arcing electrical equipment, open flame, or other sources of ignition.
20. Small propane and other fuel gas cylinders shall be stored in a flammable storage cabinet.
21. Fuel gas cylinders may be stored together in flammable storage cabinets but not with other flammable material or flammable aerosols.
22. Flammable gas containers stored or used inside a building shall be limited to a total gas capacity of 1000 cubic feet of acetylene or non-liquefied flammable gas or a total container content water capacity of 125 lb. (56.7 kg) for liquefied petroleum gas or stabilized methylacetylene-propadiene unless greater amounts are permitted using specialized construction, fire protection systems or gas cabinets.
23. Compressed gas-containing bulk storage areas shall be posted with the types of gases stored. Full and empty containers shall be stored separately. Storage location temperatures shall not exceed 125 ºF.
24. Cylinders containing chlorine, propane, or hydrogen shall not be stored in a general storeroom. They shall be stored in separate, well-ventilated, and fireproof areas.
25. A sign reading DANGER - NO SMOKING, MATCHES, OR OPEN LIGHTS or equivalent wording shall be conspicuously posted in rooms or at entrances to areas where fuel, flammable gas, or oxygen is stored.
26. Gas cylinders shall be kept a safe distance from heat and from welding or cutting operations where sparks could contact the cylinders.
27. Moving of a compressed gas cylinder with the regulator installed shall only be accomplished when the cylinder valve and regulator are assured of protection from damage and the cylinder is moved in an erect or nearly erect position on a compressed gas cylinder hand truck.
28. See NMP-FLS-017 Compressed Gas Safety for additional details on handling compressed gas cylinders.