Location/Design

1.  Laboratory design shall include a storage area for cylinders of compressed gases where:

• they are protected from external heat sources such as flame impingement, intense radiant heat, electric arc, or high temperature steam lines.
• they are in a well protected, well ventilated, dry location, at least 20 feet from highly combustible materials

_{CCR, Title 8, Section 4650(a)}

_{NFPA 99, 4-3.1.1.2}

_{CCR, Title 8, Section 4650(b)}

2.  Adequate space shall be made available for the segregation of gases by hazard class. Flammable gases shall not be stored with oxidizing agents. Separate storage for full or empty cylinders is preferred. Such enclosures shall serve no other purpose.

_{NFPA 99, Section 4-3.1.2(a)2}

3.  Design features which are prohibited:

• Unventilated enclosures such as lockers, coldrooms and cupboards.

_{CCR, Title 8, Section 4650(c)}

Work practice issues: Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored near highly combustible materials, especially oil or grease, or near any other substance likely to cause or accelerate fire (per 8 CCR 4650(d)).

4.  Liquefied fuel-gas cylinders shall be stored in an upright position so that the safety relief device is in direct contact with the vapor space in the cylinder at all times.

_{8 CCR 4650(e).}

5.  The heating of flammable gas storage areas shall be indirectly heated, such as by air, steam, hot water, etc.

_{Good practice}

Cylinder Restraint Systems

6.  Laboratory design shall include restraints for the storage of cylinders greater than 26 inches tall; the restraint system shall include at least 2 restraints (made of non- combustible materials), which are located at one-third and two-thirds the height of the cylinder.

_{Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District, Standard Details & Specification #SI-3}

_{CCR, Title 8, Section 4650 (e)}

_{CCR, Title 19, Section 3.18}

_{CCR, Title 24, Part 9, Section 7401.6.4}

_{NFPA 45, 8-1.5}

_{NFPA 99, 4-3.1.1.2.3} 

A restraint system of chains, metal straps, or storage racks provides a reliable method of securing gas cylinders. Chains or metal straps at the bottom and top one third of each cylinder provides protection against tipping and falling. [Work Practice Note: When compressed gas cylinders in service, they shall be adequately secured by chains, metal straps, or other approved materials, to prevent cylinders from falling or being knocked over.]

7.  The purchase and installation of compressed gas cylinder securing systems must be subject to review of EH&S.

_{Good Practice per Stanford EH&S}

_{EH&S can assist in identifying good quality securing systems.}

8.  Gas cylinder securing systems should be anchored to a permanent building member or fixture.

_{Good Practice}

Connection to a permanent building member or fixture is needed to prevent movement during a seismic event.