Unrestrained Gas Cylinders
What can go wrong?
Watch the video to find out. A damaged cylinder can shoot through a brick wall.
Unrestrained cylinders of compressed gas can become dangerous projectiles if they fall over. When they are damaged they can rapidly release compressed gas and shoot across a room, causing significant property losses and/or personal injuries. Adequate restraints should be put in place and used at all times. Cylinders must always be stored and restrained in an upright position.
It is also important not to mix oxidizing and flammable gases in the same storage area. Cylinders or canisters containing the two types of gas should be stored at least 6.1 m (20 ft) apart from each other or be separated by a barrier of non-combustible construction that has a fire resistance rating of at least 0.5 hour in order to reduce the risk of fire igniting and/or to reduce the intensity of any fire that occurs.
Below are the top 5 avoidable housekeeping hazards identified at the University of Alberta in 2018. Keep your work space safe by identifying and addressing these common hazards - click the links to learn more about each.