Using Gas Bottles At Work
When you work with flammable materials, it’s essential to employ the appropriate gas bottle storage systems to ensure the safety of the workplace.
Compact gas cylinders are typical sightings found in various settings, such as industries and healthcare practices. However, gas bottles can pose a serious health and safety risk at work if not kept in the appropriate gas bottle storage systems.
We have compiled a list of three essential measures to guarantee safe gas cylinder usage and workplace safety for your employees, customers, and neighbours alike.
Continue reading on to learn more useful guidelines for your business needs when working with gas and other flammable substances.
Ventilated Storage
Make sure the space where you store your gas bottle is cool, dry, and well-ventilated, whether it’s a cage, store, or even a cellar. Ventilation is required to prevent the unwanted release of toxic or combustible gases from becoming trapped inside an enclosed space, which could have dangerous effects. One of the main reasons for gas cylinder accidents is inadequate ventilation. All gas cylinders should, whenever possible, be kept outside in a safe, weatherproof, well-ventilated gas cylinder store or cage.
Handle with Care
Gas cylinders are fairly heavy even when empty, and if they leak, it could be dangerous. Make sure that every employee handles gas cylinders with care and carries them while wearing safety boots and gloves, if a transportation trolly is not available. Never drop, throw, roll, or otherwise handle them improperly. Only a tram or lift should be used to move big gas cylinders.
Safe Placement
All gas cylinders and bottles, whether they are in use or not, should be kept upright and safely fastened, typically with a chain. Gas cylinders should be placed out of the direct path of any heat source and ideally away from the sun. Gas cylinders should never be placed on uneven surfaces since doing so increases the chance that they will topple over and catch fire. Additionally, make sure that cylinders are placed far away from places where they might be exposed to water. Gas cylinders should be kept out of the way of machinery such as vehicles and forklifts. A common cause of accidents involving gas bottles is crush damage as a result of an accident with a moving vehicle. This will likely cause the gas bottle to rupture and possibly act like a missile.
At WSSA, we strive to provide compliant, high-quality, and practical products that make a difference to our clients. We guarantee that all of the products we sell are designed and built in accordance with the applicable Australian Standards, which are essential in almost every industry today. Contact us to learn more about our range of gas bottle storage systems.