Gas cylinders

Gases contained in cylinders are used for many different purposes such as in research work, for soldering, welding and flame cutting, as fuel for vehicles (e.g. fork-lift trucks) and for extinguishing fires. They are safe when adequate risk control is in place but users and others sometimes suffer accidents if used incorrectly.

The Department of Materials has produced a compressed gas cylinder safe practice guide, providing the practical knowledge, tools and awareness needed in order to handle gas cylinders safely. It contains guidance on planning, storage, step-by-step procedures for connecting, leak checking and disconnecting, maintenance and emergency procedures.

The following details how to manage these risks, including information on:

• risk control
• storage