Propane tanks storage | Storage of Gas cylinders

                                     Propane tanks storage | Storage of gas cylinders

                                       and Ventilation Requirements

Gas cylinders, Flammable gas cylinders, and Oxygen gas cylinders

Storage of propane tanks,  Ventilation Requirements

 

Safe Storage of propane tanks and Gas cylinders

·         Flammable gases shall not be stored adjacent to oxidizers, open flames, sources of heat, adjacent to non-explosion-proof electric systems, or near unearthed electrical equipment.

·         Fire extinguishers (of carbon dioxide or dry chemical types) shall be available for fire emergencies at storage installations.

·         A flame shall not be used for the detection of flammable gas leaks; either a flammable gas leak detector or compatible leak detection material (e.g. liquid, foam, etc.) shall be used.

·         Electrical equipment shall comply with the applicable electrical code, i.e., be explosion proof, etc.; mobile telephones and portable electrical equipment shall not be taken into areas containing flammable gases.

·         Heating of storage areas shall be by steam, hot water, or other indirect means; direct heating by flames or fire shall be prohibited.

• Upon delivery, under the supervision and guidelines of the Inspection Engineer/officer/Supervisor, shall inspect cylinders for damage (dents, gouges, bulges, evidence of leakage or cracks) and shall submit an acceptance/rejection report to In-Charge Store.
• Ensure that the last test date of Cylinder testing is stamped on the cylinder near the valve or the collar, or the foot ring of some small cylinders (e.g. LPG). If the due date of the test has elapsed, it shall be replaced.
• Ensure that Compressed Gas Cylinders are verified for correct contents as per color code.
• Ensure that oxidizing gases such as oxygen must be stored at least 6 meters away from fuel gas cylinders.
• Ensure that toxic gases must be stored separately from all other gases and detailed instructions of MSDS must be followed.
• Check that the cylinder valves are tightly closed and the valve protection cap is in place.
• Ensure that compressed gas cylinders are stored in rows with aisles in between for easy removal in the event of an emergency.
• Ensure that firefighting equipment located close to the cylinder storage area is in good working condition.
• Ensure that appropriate signs are posted for restricted entry, area demarcation, and warnings: prohibiting smoking and naked flames.
• Ensure that full and empty cylinders are stored separately and marked accordingly.
• Ensure that compressed gas cylinders are never lifted by the cap or guard unless the supplier states that it is designed for this purpose.
• Ensure that empty cylinders are returned to the empty cylinder storage area. Before being stored, a check shall be made to ensure that valves have been tightly closed after complete depressurizing.
• Ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the restricted area.
• Avoid storage near ignition sources and hot surfaces.
• Ensure that storage areas are kept free from all combustible materials.
• Ensure that compressed gas cylinders are stored upright with the valve at the top with valve protection cap on, it stands, and properly secured chained. (Use chains or special cradles) while in storage.
• Ensure that the cylinders shall not be placed where they might become part of an electrical circuit.
• Ensure that a trolley or other mechanical device is used for handling /transporting compressed gas cylinders in-store/storage areas.
• Ensure that outdoor storage areas are above the ground, dry, and protected from extremes of weather.
• Ensure that compressed gas cylinders do not come in contact with oil or grease during storage and handling.
• Ensure that compressed gas cylinders are lifted by a certified lifting device. Attaching slings to cylinders in any way is prohibited.
• For flammable gas cylinders that are in closed room stores, electrical appliances shall be intrinsically safe.
• A comprehensive list of storage compatibility shall be maintained at all times near the compressed gas cylinder storage area.
• Decanting / filling of gas from one cylinder to other cylinders/container are not allowed.
• The leakage of cylinders shall be checked periodically through soap water.
• Do not use Teflon tape on CGA fitting (straight threads).

Location of the Storage Area

• The majority of gas cylinders are designed so that they can be stored in the open air and, as such, they will not be adversely affected by inclement weather.
• Storage areas should be located in an external area where there is good natural ventilation. Adjacent buildings, structures, and geographical features may adversely affect natural ventilation and their effect should be taken into account during the risk assessment. The store should not be located in low-lying areas; where gases may accumulate.
• Storage within a building is not recommended.
• Cylinder stores are to be located away from the site-designated emergency exits and escape routes.

Bulk Storage of cylinders

Gas cylinder stores should be located outdoors, preferably in a secure, cage protected from sunlight.

Cylinders storage indoors is not recommended unless the building has been designed for that purpose with appropriate fire-rated walls and ventilation. Where gases are stored indoors, additional safety considerations and control measures need to be given consideration.

Ventilation Requirements

Cylinders ventilation is required to ensure that, in the event of a leak, the gas is adequately dispersed and will prevent a hazardous atmosphere from being created. Cylinders ventilation can be natural or provided by forced air ventilation.

Ventilation is used the store shall have ventilation openings with a minimum total area of 10% of the ground area. A minimum of two permanent openings are required. The inlet and outlet openings shall be positioned diametrically across the store at high and low levels.

The type of forced air ventilation depends on a multitude of factors. The density of the gases being stored shall determine the location of the forced air outlet openings i.e. at high levels for lighter than air gases, and at a low level for heavier than air gases.

Where the store is part of an existing building, the forced air ventilation shall be arranged such that it is not directed into the building.

Ventilation openings shall discharge to a safe place in the open air. Ventilation openings in walls should not compromise any escape route.

Where a store may have restricted ventilation, due to, for example, adjacent buildings or a wall acting as a store boundary, it is necessary to ensure that there is thorough ventilation in all areas inside the store.

Safety Signage and Warning Notices

Ensure Individual gas cylinder stores shall have adequate signage to provide warnings and safety information on the hazardous products being stored.

All safety signage shall be in the English language. Bilingual/multilingual signs should also be used if necessary.

Safety signs and pictograms shall be visible from all angles of approach, preferably sited with the center of the sign at the average eye level above the ground.

Safety signs for the following hazards shall be displayed as a minimum:

·         No Smoking

·         No Naked Lights

·         No Sources Of Ignition

·         No Access For Unauthorized Persons

·         No Mobile Phones Or Other Electronic Devices

·         No Storage Of Oil, Grease, Or Combustible Materials