Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:41:30 -0400
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Kim Auletta <kauletta**At_Symbol_Here**NOTES.CC.SUNYSB.EDU>
Subject: Re: Storing Gas Cylinders Horizontally
In-Reply-To: <192784.65507.qm**At_Symbol_Here**web33601.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
All the safety reasons for storing cg upright are great, but the bottom 
line is the code requirements. Our NYS code (taken from IBC): 

3004.1 Upright storage. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks, 
except those designed for use in a horizontal position, and all compressed 
gas containers, cylinders and tanks containing nonliquiefied gases, shall 
be stored in an upright position with the valve end up. An upright 
position shall include conditions where the container, cylinder or tank 
axis is inclined as much as 45 degrees from the vertical. 

(there are 2 exceptions - containers w/ water volume <1.3 gallons & 
containers w/ non flamm gases secure to a pallet for transport)

Kim Auletta
Lab Safety Specialist
EH&S    Z=6200
Stony Brook University
kauletta**At_Symbol_Here**notes.cc.sunysb.edu
631-632-3032
EH&S Web site: http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/lab/

Remember to wash your hands!


From:
Todd 
To:
DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Date:
10/28/2009 07:28 AM
Subject:
Re: [DCHAS-L] Storing Gas Cylinders Horizontally
Sent by:
DCHAS-L Discussion List 


Yes numerous reasons here are the ones that immediately come to mind:

1) With any liquified gasses you can defeat the pressure relief device, 
and if it freezes over you can cause the cylinder to rupture.

2) cylinders are not designed to be rolled horizontally, this can cause 
rust to get into the valve and/or pressure relief device.

3) horizontal storage puts the valve in an extremely vulnerable position, 
essentially setting it up as a missile if the valve is damaged

4) DOT package instructions may specify that it be stored in an upright 
position, certainly all the filler/distributors reccommend vertical 
storage.

5) possible strain in lowering and lifting the cylinder along with 
increased danger of dropping the cylinder on feet - not to mention the 
increased danger to the valve and valve cover from dropping.

in short its just a really bad idea with no positive gains

Todd Perkins 
Safety Director
Airgas Mid America
p3wt3r**At_Symbol_Here**charter.net

--- On Tue, 10/27/09, Debbie M. Decker  wrote:

> From: Debbie M. Decker 
> Subject: [DCHAS-L] Storing Gas Cylinders Horizontally
> To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
> Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 5:12 PM
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Excuse the cross-postings. 
> 
>    
> 
> Besides not storing acetylene (and
> other fuel gases) horizontally,
> can you think of any reason why gas cylinders canŐt
> be stored
> horizontally? 
> 
>    
> 
> Thanks, 
> 
> Debbie 
> 
> -------------------- 
> 
>    
> 
> Debbie
> M. Decker, Campus Chemical Safety Officer
> 
> Environmental Health and Safety
> 
> University of California, Davis
> 
> 1 Shields Ave.
> 
> Davis, CA  95616
> 
> (530)754-7964/(530)752-4527 (FAX)
> 
> dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu
> 
> Co-Conspirator to Make the World A 
> 
> Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com and
> join the conspiracy 
> 
>    
> 
>    
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 


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