Requirements for Propane Cylinder Storage and Safety

Do you power your warehouse forklifts with propane? Do you have propane cylinder storage on-site? If yes, then you need to have complete know-how for their storage to ensure the safety of your gas cylinders. 

Propane storage cages are utilized to expand propane tanks’ lifespan and guard them against any hit or drop, avoiding destructive workplace accidents. Would you like to know about chemical safety methods, especially for your propane tanks? If yes, then you will be glad to know that this article is all about propane safety and storage principles to protect your property, employees, and visitors. 

Significance of a Propane Cylinder Cage

A gas cylinder cage is the main component of correct propane storage. Being a dangerous flammable material, propane carries a fatal explosive force, if handled wrongly. By using a gas cylinder cage for storing your propane, a protective structure builds around canisters, preventing them from puncturing, knocking over, or bumping.

Even a minute hit to a propane gas tank can cause hazardous consequences, such as cylinder leak, collapse, or rupture that can result in a big blast, putting nearby individuals, equipment, inventory, and premises at risk. 

OSHA Propane Cylinder Storage Instructions

It is highly required to store the propane cylinder carefully and follow all the necessary instructions. Some of them are given below:

• Propane cylinders can be stored outdoors or indoors, but make sure not to store them near stairways, entryways, high-traffic areas, or exits otherwise, they can cause a hazard to workers and the public. 
• They should not be stored near combustible or flammable materials.
• Avoid placing them in an area with excessive heat or near a heat source.
• Use a cylinder safety cage or cabinet to cover it and place it at the surface without waterlogging.
• Place propane cylinders above the ground to facilitate ventilation. You can use a cylinder base for it.
• Use a chain or another strong support system to protect the cylinder from falling. 
• Place fire extinguishers near the propane storage unit. 
• Always, check the cylinder for leaks, and signs of rust and wear. If any discrepancy is found, replace the cylinder. 
• Store the not-in-use cylinder outside.

After storing the cylinder properly, you should also learn some usage and transportation instructions, which are discussed further.

Propane Cylinder Safety Measures

These cylinders contain high-pressure gas, and they are meant to last. Whether used at home, on holiday, or at work, there are some safety measures that are to be followed while using and transporting them. These safety guidelines are listed further:

Usage Instructions

Propane cylinders should be handled properly while using them by remembering the following points:

• Always follow the instructions mentioned by the manufacturer for any propane-powered equipment.
• Go through the equipment’s documentation for proper use, refueling, and cylinder-changing process.
• Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) containers should be filled by trained and authorized personnel only.
• Protect your eyes and face, and wear gloves while connecting or disconnecting the cylinder from their hoses, otherwise, it may cause freezer burn.
• Do not use excessive force while opening the valve.
• Never drag, drop, or roll the cylinder.
• Avoid the use of metal tools when changing a cylinder.
• Do a periodic inspection of propane equipment for possible leaks or malfunctioning parts.
• Do not smoke or use an ignition source when handling propane.
• Never try to disassemble or cut open the cylinder.
• Close the valve when the cylinder is not in use.
• Do not paint them in dark colors, as they increase heat absorption from the sun.
• Never try to repair or modify the valves, regulators, or other part of the equipment. 
• Take proper safety with empty cylinders just like the filled ones.

These were the instructions related to usage. Further, let’s understand some transportation safety measures of Propane cylinders. 

Transportation Instructions

Transporting a propane cylinder is much more than packing and protecting the furniture. This is something that can cause severe accidents if not handled with utmost care.

• The cylinders must be upright and secure while transporting.
• Make sure the valves are closed and if possible seal them with a plug even if the cylinder is not filled.
• Do not leave the cylinder in a closed vehicle, especially during the hot weather.
• Maintain proper ventilation while carrying them from one place to another.

Hence, we can conclude that propane cylinders may look sturdy, but they can still be easily damaged. So, it is required to go through gentle and careful handling with them while using and transporting them.

OSHA-compliant Gas Propane Cylinder Cages

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has introduced a long list of requirements for propane tanks to ensure their proper handling, storage, and transfer. You can fulfill all these requirements by putting propane tanks in gas cylinder cages. 

These days, it’s quite easy to find durable, OSHA-compliant gas cylinder cages for proper storage and safety of your gas cylinders. Manufacturers of gas cylinder cages always keep OSHA requirements in mind when manufacturing their products. 

For instance, manufacturers have incorporated a front door and mesh sides in gas cylinder cages for good ventilation. They have strong roofs to protect cages from falling stuff. Also, they have a lock to restrict the usage and handling of propane tanks. With a lockable latch, only well-trained and authorized employees can access the propane cylinder cages. 

The best thing about gas cylinder cages is that they can also store other chemicals, like nitrogen, acetylene, or carbon dioxide. These gas cylinder cages can store up to 2, 4, 8, or 16 cylinders. They come in fully assembled form, and are, thus, ready for use. 

You will be glad to know that you can also order custom gas cylinder cages. Isn’t it great? Yes, it is! Just make sure to look for compliance with OSHA’s requirements when buying a gas cylinder cage for your workplace. Contact a trustworthy manufacturer to get the best gas cylinder cage. 

Conclusion

The list of OSHA requirements is long, but at least some basic safety measures can be followed from it. Here, we tried to cover the important instructions regarding the storage, usage, and transportation of propane cylinders with the aim of decreasing the rates of avoidable accidents that are caused by improper treatment with these highly inflammable gas cylinders.