Safety Tips When Travelling with Gas Cylinders
Gas cylinders are an essential part of many industries and households in South Africa, however, they can pose serious safety risks if not handled and stored correctly.
Whether you’re a business owner, a homeowner, or simply planning a road trip that will include a gas cylinder, you need to prioritise your safety, as these cylinders always need to be handled correctly.
At Budget Gas, we are one of the leading gas suppliers in Pretoria and we have all of the safety tips for transporting, handling, and storing gas cylinders that you need to know if you intend to use gas.
Transporting Gas Cylinders
There are three important things to keep in mind and to make sure that you are doing when you are transporting your gas cylinders. This is pretty much basic knowledge that you can use when transporting pretty much any kind of gas cylinder and these things are not hard to do:
Secure Transportation
When transporting gas cylinders, you should always secure them in an upright position to prevent them from falling over during transit. Make sure that you use proper restraints, such as gas cylinder cages or straps, to keep them stable. You should also have enough space to accommodate the cylinders without overcrowding them.
Supply Adequate Ventilation
Gas cylinders should never be transported in a fully enclosed space, like the boot of a car. You need more than enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of potentially dangerous, explosive gas leaks.
Create a No Smoking Zone
Never allow smoking near gas cylinders or inside the vehicle carrying them. Even a small spark can lead to a catastrophic explosion.
Handling Gas Cylinders
Next, you need to know how to correctly handle your gas cylinders so that you do things safely. Again, there are just 3 things to keep in mind:
Secure the Valve Caps
Always keep the valve caps on when handling the gas cylinder, except when they are in use. The valve cap protects the valves from being damaged and it prevents gas leaks.
Avoid Dropping the Cylinder
Avoid dropping gas cylinders, as even a small dent or damage can compromise their structural integrity. Damaged cylinders can be extremely hazardous and if you notice yours if damaged in some way, now might be a good time to consider replacing it.
Roll it, Don’t Drag it
When moving cylinders, roll them on their base, if possible. Avoid dragging them, as this can damage the cylinder and cause leaks.
Storing Gas Cylinders Correctly
Once your gas cylinder has been transported to where you want it, you now need to know how to correctly store it. Here’s what you need to do:
Place it in a Well-Ventilated Area
Store gas cylinders in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in a dedicated storage space with proper ventilation. Correct ventilation will prevent the buildup of potentially hazardous gas concentrations.
Make to Secure the Cylinder
Gas cylinders should be securely fastened or chained to prevent them from falling over. Placing them in a secure location also reduces the risk of theft or tampering.
Consider Cylinder Compatibility
You should always store different types of gas cylinders separately and clearly label them to avoid confusion. Incompatible gases should never be stored together, as this can lead to chemical reactions and dangerous situations.
Keep a Distance from Ignition Sources
Gas cylinders should be stored well away from heat sources, open flames, and electrical equipment that could spark. By maintaining a safe distance, you will greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
Commit to a Regular Inspection
Finally, you must regularly inspect gas cylinders for signs of damage, corrosion, or rust. Damaged cylinders should be removed from service and properly disposed of by an official gas company.