Oxygen cylinders contain pure, compressed oxygen. While oxygen is not flammable, it is a powerful oxidizer that dramatically fuels combustion, causing materials to ignite more easily and burn far more rapidly. Due to the high pressure and the presence of pure oxygen, strict storage protocols must be followed to prevent potential fires or explosions. Following these guidelines is paramount to maintaining a safe environment where medical or portable oxygen is used.
Environmental Conditions for Storage
Oxygen cylinders must be kept in a location where the ambient temperature remains within a safe operating range. Temperatures exceeding 125°F (52°C) cause the gas pressure inside the tank to rise significantly, straining the cylinder’s integrity and increasing the risk of rupture. Conversely, extremely cold temperatures can affect the pressure and structural integrity, potentially leading to ice formation and impacting performance.
A well-ventilated area is necessary to prevent accidental oxygen buildup from a slow leak. Although oxygen is not a fuel, a high concentration of the gas makes surrounding materials highly combustible. Proper ventilation ensures that leaked oxygen dissipates quickly, minimizing the risk of an enriched oxygen environment.
The storage location should be clean and dry to protect the metal cylinder from damage. Excessive moisture leads to corrosion and rust on the cylinder body, potentially weakening the metal. Empty tanks retain residual pressure and must be handled with the same caution as full tanks.
Cylinders should be kept under cover and not subjected to temperature extremes, which helps maintain safe gas pressure. A dedicated storage space ensures cylinders are not exposed to corrosive materials that could damage the valve connections. Separating full cylinders from empty ones also aids in stock management.
Physical Security and Handling
All oxygen cylinders, regardless of size or whether they are full or empty, must be stored in an upright position. The cylinder’s shape makes it prone to tipping, which is hazardous because the valve assembly is the most vulnerable component. If a cylinder falls over and the valve is sheared off, the tank can become a powerful, uncontrolled projectile due to the sudden release of high-pressure gas.
Cylinders must be physically secured at all times using appropriate methods such as chains, heavy-duty straps, or specialized racks designed for gas cylinders. A cylinder should never be left freestanding or secured to an unstable object. The securing method must attach the cylinder to a fixed, sturdy structure, such as a wall or a dedicated cylinder cart, to withstand an accidental bump.
The protective valve cap must remain in place and screwed on hand-tight whenever the cylinder is not connected to a regulator or in use. This cap shields the delicate valve assembly from accidental impact. The cap should only be removed immediately before connecting the regulator.
When cylinders need to be moved, they should never be dragged, rolled, or dropped, as this risks compromising the cylinder’s integrity. Instead, use a hand truck or a non-tip cart designed specifically for transporting gas cylinders. The cylinder must be secured to the cart during transport, maintaining the upright position.
Proximity to Hazards and Ignition Sources
Maintaining a safe distance from potential hazards and ignition sources is a primary safety measure. Because concentrated oxygen accelerates combustion, the storage area must be kept at least 20 feet away from highly combustible materials like oil or flammable liquids. This distance can be reduced if a noncombustible barrier with a minimum fire rating separates the materials.
Strict rules must prohibit smoking, open flames, and pilot lights near stored cylinders, as these are immediate ignition sources. Cylinders must also be kept away from heat-producing appliances like furnaces or radiators, which can raise the cylinder temperature and increase internal pressure.
Oil, grease, or any petroleum-based product must never contact the cylinder, regulator, or valve. Hydrocarbon substances become dangerous fuels in a high-oxygen environment. They can spontaneously combust because the high concentration of oxygen significantly lowers their ignition temperature.
Even a small amount of oil or grease on hands or clothing is hazardous if it transfers to the connection point. When the valve is opened and the system rapidly pressurizes, the heat generated by compression can ignite any residue. Therefore, all equipment and hands must be completely free of oily material before handling the cylinder or its components.