What is the Australian Standard for Gas Cylinder Storage?

Worksites all over the world use gases and hazardous substances stored in cylinders. While these materials are crucial to day-to-day operations, they represent a significant risk to your team.

Handling, moving and storing gases requires special attention and equipment. This reduces the risk of injury or damaging a cylinder, and it ensures your personnel are protected from unnecessary harm.

Worksites in Australia are expected to comply with the Australian Standards governing gas cylinder storage. In this article, we’ll discuss AS4332-2004 and the basic requirements laid out by the Standards.

Gas Cylinder Storage Australian Standards: AS4332-2004

In Australia, gas cylinder storage is governed by AS4332-2004. This Australian Standard sets out recommendations for safely storing, handling and managing compressed gas cylinders.

AS4332 applies to gases that are classified as Class 2 substances. This includes:

• Gases that are compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure
• Refrigerated liquefied gases
• Mixtures of gases with vapour, liquids or other substances
• Articles charged with gas and aerosols with a capacity over 1L

The exact requirements for your workplace depend on the number of gas cylinders you hold. The Standards divide worksites into two categories:

• Minor storage – These sites hold small numbers of gas cylinders (less than 2,000 litres of gas). They’re subject to Sections 1, 2, 5.2-3 and 8 of the Australian Standards. While “minor storage” sites aren’t required to comply with other Sections, it’s best practice to follow all guidelines provided by AS4332.
• Other storage – Sites that exceed the limits for “minor storage” are required to comply with all Sections in AS4332.

All worksites are required to comply with the Standards. The only exception is residential premises that store less than 10% of the maximum quantity allowable for “minor storage” sites.

The Standards Set Out By AS4332-2004

AS4332-2004 provides detailed instructions on how to store, handle, move and transport gases in cylinders. We’ve broken down the basic requirements into the following categories:

1. Storage

Storing large quantities of gas is one of the most dangerous aspects of materials handling. For this reason, AS4332 lays out several guidelines for safe storage of compressed gas cylinders:

• Storage areas should be secure to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing the cylinders
• Gases should be stored in an outdoor location with adequate ventilation
• Outdoor storage facilities should have a flat and level concrete base
• Outdoor stores must have at least 40% of their walled areas fully open
• Cylinders should be stored away from artificial heat source
• Cylinders should be stored away from vehicle and machinery traffic, or else protected by crash barriers
• Training should be provided to staff that have access to the storage area

Gas cylinders must always be stored upright with valves closed, attachments removed and safety caps in place. Copies of Safety Data Sheets should be kept nearby, and entry and exit points to the gas store should be kept clear.

2. Cylinder Segregation

Compressed gases are hazardous chemicals that must be separated and segregated:

• Segregating gases prevents incompatible gases from coming into contact with one another, which could potentially cause a dangerous reaction.
• Separating gases is about creating physical separation between gas cylinders and operations on the worksite to prevent injury.

AS4332 states that the following gases must be segregated by a minimum of 3 metres:

• Class 2.1 flammable gases
• Class 2.2 non-flammable, oxidising gases
• Class 2.3 toxic gases

3. Cylinder Handling

Handling gas cylinders presents a major risk in workplaces. These cylinders are large, bulky and very heavy, which can create issues in manual handling. To prevent injury and reduce the risk of damaging hazardous gas cylinders, AS4332 provides a number of guidelines on how to handle gases:

• Gas cylinders should always be transported using a gas bottle trolley or a lifting device (such as a forklift or crane with an appropriate gas cylinder attachment)
• Hand trolleys must be stable and minimise the risk of cylinders falling or being knocked over
• Trolleys and lifting devices must be fitted with restraints or safety straps
• Cylinders should never be rolled over the side of trucks when loading and unloading – forklifts or other lifting devices should be used instead

Staff must also be trained in how to store, handle and load cylinders into trolleys and lifting devices. This training should include instructions on how to manage fallen gas cylinders, and how to approach a situation where a gas cylinder is potentially damaged.

Manage Your Risk with Gas Cylinder Handling Devices from Bremco!

Gases are some of the most commonly used materials in the world. They’re often stored in bulky cylinders that protect the contents, which can make them a hazard in storage and handling.

If your worksite regularly needs to store, lift, move or transport gas cylinders, you need to invest in handling devices from Bremco.

Bremco is an Australian owned and operated manufacturer of materials handling equipment. Our catalogue includes a variety of gas cylinder handling options, including hand trolleys, forklift attachments, crane attachments and more.

Our gas cylinder handling devices are designed to comply with AS4332-2004 and other relevant Australian standards. We put safety first, which is why our gas handling equipment features fully welded seams, secure tie downs for chains or straps, and heavy duty construction.

You can browse our range online at any time, or contact us for a quote on gas cylinder handling equipment from Bremco!

Brett Moody