Gas cylinder storage – convenience and safety

There are a number of ways to store gas cylinders but this article concentrates on

enclosed stores used predominantly by mobile home sites and industry.

Storage of cylinders within an external housing to prevent tampering, theft, or for aesthetic reasons presents a number of problems for a manufacturer.

Obviously the materials used to construct the store must be fire resistant, so wood or plastic stores are not allowable.

Concrete, brick or metal are all suitable materials, with most companies using metal as it can be prefabricated then flat packed and built up fast and easily on site.

VENTILATION

Gas cylinder stores / units MUST be ventilated there is a complex formula which dictates the amount of ventilation required based on the enclosed area of the store.

Both low and high level ventilation is required to create a free flow' of air through the unit this is to prevent gas sitting inside and building up in the event of a leak.

Both the two main types of gas used today, Propane and Butane, can be stored in these types of container outside, but as Butane has a relatively high freezing point Propane is favoured for external applications, such as use on mobile home parks.

COMPLIANCE

There are a number of compliance issues and codes of practice associated with storing gas cylinders within containers so you must check the manufacturer's website to ensure you stay legal.

In particular make sure that stores comply with BS5428 and BS476-22 as well as the LP Gas Association Codes of practice regarding the use and storage of cylinders at residential premises.

Gas cylinder stores should be supplied with full assembly and location instructions including safety labels (to warn others about the contents of the store).

BE WARNED

Always purchase safety equipment, such as gas cylinder stores, from recognised retailers or direct from the manufacturer. If you do not, you risk purchasing substandard products which may not conform to legislation and you may be held responsible if an accident or explosion results.

Gas cylinder storage convenience and safety

By: Jamie Cook

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