The COVID-19 outbreak has led to an increase in demand for oxygen cylinders, and they continue to see wide use in industrial applications. If oxygen tanks are stored or handled at your business, read on—we’ll look at the key concepts for how to store oxygen tanks in a way that protects the safety of employees and the public. Then, we’ll examine how oxygen tanks can be transported safely and efficiently.
Why Oxygen Is Dangerous When Mishandled
While oxygen itself is not flammable, it’s an excellent accelerant, meaning that it makes fires burn much hotter and more quickly. (Remember that the Fire Triangle lists oxygen as one of the three elements needed to start a fire.) When oxygen is released in an uncontrolled manner around open flames, it can create large fires that spread quickly and even cause explosions in some cases. Thus, oxygen tanks must be handled with the utmost care.
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Oxygen-related incidents typically happen under one of the following circumstances:
- An oxygen cylinder’s valve is accidentally left open
- Hoses, valves, or other cylinder equipment suffers damage that causes it to leak
- An oxygen cylinder is breached by an impact
- Leak detection equipment fails to register the presence of a leak
When one of these hazardous conditions is combined with the presence of an open flame, it can result in disaster, which is why it’s important to store and ship oxygen tanks safely.
Rules of Storing Oxygen Tanks Safely
The complete OSHA oxygen storage rules should be your go-to guide to storing compressed oxygen cylinders. It’s important to be familiar with the rules in their entirety, but here are some of the key regulations that must be followed:
- In general, oxygen cylinders must be handled carefully so as to avoid knocks, bumps, and drops.
- Oxygen cylinders must be stored in a designated area at least 20 feet away from fuel gas cylinders (such as acetylene) and/or other combustible materials. They may also be separated by a fireproof barrier at least five feet high.
- Oxygen cylinders stored in an outside generator house must be separated from the generator by a fireproof barrier.
- Oxygen cylinders must be clearly labeled using durable hazmat labels.
- Oxygen cylinders must be kept well away from any source of heat such as a radiator.
- Valves on oxygen cylinders must always be closed after use, and valves on empty cylinders must be kept closed.
- Tools such as hammers, pry bars, and wrenches must not be used to open a stuck cylinder valve. Contact the cylinder supplier if a valve cannot be opened by hand.
- Personnel other than hazmat certified employees of an authorized gas supplier should never mix gases inside a cylinder.
- A gas detector should be used to track ambient oxygen levels and alert facility personnel if a spike in oxygen is detected.
- Never tamper with the safety devices on an oxygen cylinder.
- Facilities that store oxygen cylinders in large quantities must obey the NFPA 50 Standard for Bulk Oxygen at Consumer Sites.
- Oxygen cylinders should be stored in proper cylinder storage receptacles.
Shipping Oxygen Tanks Safely
The US DOT also issues regulations for the safe shipping of oxygen cylinders. Key requirements include:
- Transport vehicles must be in possession of a hazardous materials declaration form.
- Oxygen cylinders must be equipped with working pressure relief devices to prevent accidental rupture, and the devices must be tested for leaks before leaving the filling facility.
- Oxygen cylinders must be marked with durable Class 5 UN hazmat labels in an easily visible location on both the cylinders themselves and on shipping boxes used as overpacks.
- Oxygen cylinders must have valve protection caps securely in place during transportation.
- Oxygen cylinders must meet the DOT cylinder specifications for structural integrity.
- Only limited quantities of oxygen cylinders may be carried by aircraft, and capacity is limited to six cylinders per cargo compartment in most cargo aircraft.
- Employees (such as drivers and warehouse staff) who handle or transport oxygen should be hazmat certified.
Find the Right Hazmat Box to Fit Your NeedsIf your occupation involves traveling to job sites to perform tasks such as welding, the oxygen cylinders you carry with you may be classified under the Materials of Trade exception, which establishes slightly relaxed rules for these limited quantities. Commercial sales of oxygen do not fall under this exemption.
Air Sea Containers is a leader in solutions for all kinds of hazmat shipping, including oxygen cylinder storage and transportation. Got more questions about how to store oxygen tanks or how to transport oxygen tanks? We’re happy to help—just call (866) 596-9448 or contact us online.
