Using Propane Safely e-learning reference material

Guide Book Series

Storage

Storing Cylinders Location and design considerations

The storage area should be well lit and have suitable signage identifying which gases are inside the store and the hazards posed.

Full cylinders should be stored separately from empty cylinders. The areas relating to full and empty cylinder stores should be labelled appropriately.

Planning a storage facility is an important activity that needs to be undertaken before ordering gas cylinders from a supplier. Propane cylinders should be kept in a purpose-designed storage area following the principles laid out in BCGA Code of Practice 44 and UKLPG Code of Practice 7.

It is advisable to segregate cylinders in the store by their gas type. Less than 50kg of propane may be stored in the same area as other fuel gases. If the store contains more than 50kg of propane then these cylinders must be stored 3 metres away from any other type of gas cylinder.

A risk assessment must be undertaken on any potential storage area with consideration given to site boundaries, parking areas and emergency evacuation procedures.

As propane is heavier than air, propane cylinders must not be stored near to low lying areas such as drains, ducts and basements.

The area should be free from fire risks, including sources of heat and ignition and flammable materials. Propane cylinder gas stores should be sited in a non-smoking zone and be equipped with fire fighting facilities.

Emergency plans should be prepared for all storage areas and there should be accessible escape routes. In larger storage areas it is advisable to have access via outward opening doors and egress via a separate door that is operated by a panic bar.

The store should be secure and well-ventilated. It is advisable to construct the store from wire mesh or use a purpose built cage which will allow the Fire and Rescue Service to play water on the cylinders in an emergency situation.

Emergency procedures should be practiced on a regular basis.

The storage facility should be easily accessible for cylinder movements and access should be restricted to authorised personnel only.

Stock rotation is essential and it is advisable to operate on a F irst I n F irst O ut basis.

The storage area should remain accessible for the emergency services at all times.

It is recommended that the Fire and Rescue Service are made aware of the location of the cylider gas store as well as the number and types of cylinders being stored.

The base of the store should be a smooth, level surface which is well-drained and non-flammable (preferably made of concrete).

Reference BCGA Code of Practice 44 The storage of gas cylinders

The propane cylinders should be stored upright and secured to prevent them from toppling over.

Only compressed gas cylinders should be stored within the area. The area should not be used for general storage and should not contain materials such as fuels, oil, paint or corrosive liquids.

Reference UKLPG Code of Practice 7 Storage of Full and Empty LPG Cylinders and Cartridges

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