Recommendations for Inside, Outside & What Do the HSE Guidelines Say?
In commercial and industrial environments the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has specific requirements for storing gas cylinders. An accident, such as a fire, near propane and butane or other gas bottles can be extremely dangerous, so the HSE guidelines for gas cylinder storage are crucial to follow.
Handling gas cylinders safely is one thing, but several types of gas cylinder storage units will provide safe and functional storage. Gas bottles are most often stored in the following areas:
- Outdoors: Many gas cylinders are most safely stored outdoors, and there are additional safety requirements as a result. Security is critical for gas cylinders stored overnight in out-of-the-way facilities, where they are often a target for theft.
- Indoors: Indoor storage of gas cylinders might be for use in a commercial kitchen, an auto-repair shop or simply as part of a school science classroom. In any case, the internal storage has slightly different needs for the cylinders if they are to remain safe.
The following are some excellent storage ideas for indoor or outdoor storage, which will suit commercial and industrial environments where gas cylinder storage and use are essential. You can browse our gas storage products and buy online or contact us if you have any questions.
What Are the Best Gas Cylinder Storage & Handling Products?
A gas cylinder is a type of storage in itself, but there are many ways storage units for cylinders can promote better safety and easier work. The following are some top product choices from our impressive range, which will make it safe and convenient to store all sorts of gas cylinders:
Gas Cages
Ideal and indeed legally required for the external storage of gas cylinders, metal cages form a protective layer between the canisters and any unauthorised access. With bright warning signs, lockable doors and robust, weather-proof designs, cages can keep gas safe and secure outdoors.
By using a gas cage for your cylinder storage you can get the following fantastic benefits:
- Static and mobile models: For commercial and industrial settings, but also in some domestic environments, moving the cylinders around safely is important. With clever mobile gas cages, you can move them easily, or just bolt a standalone cage to a floor.
- Folding and collapsible cages: Everything from the construction trade to events can use gas, so a convenient and easy-to-set-up folding cage might be just the ticket. We have a top collapsible Armorgard TuffCage, which folds to just 180 millimetres high.
- Galvanised steel designs: Ultra-strong products like our galvanised steel gas cages will provide a heavy-duty outdoor storage solution for all types of gas cylinders. Perfect for LPG, butane and oxygen bottles, these cases meet and exceed all HSE conditions.
The contents of a gas cylinder are commonly quite volatile, such as for propane and butane, but also incredibly valuable in many cases. A good quality gas cage will substantially lower the risk of theft in a commercial setting, which is a nice addition to its excellent safety features.
Browse our gas cages to order the best product for the size and number of cylinders you have.
Wall-Mounted Gas Cylinder Racks
A good option for small cylinder storage that is also accessible is a wall-mounted gas cylinder racking system. This helps you save on precious floor space and can make it much easier for you to quickly grab a small cylinder for use, or just to rack up empty ones before they are collected.
When you use wall-mounted gas cylinder storage products you can get the following benefits:
- Multiple widths: You can build your gas cylinder storage system completely bespoke to your needs. With many wall racks available in widths of 245mm, 460mm, 675mm, 340mm, 660mm and 980mm, there is something for every type, or a mix, of cylinders.
- Secure chains: Chain the cylinder in place for safe storage after use or quickly unhook the latch for super-fast accessibility. With weight restraints on the most basic wall racks going up to 4 kg, even economy products can provide robust performance.
- Room for many cylinders in one system: With two and three-cylinder racks, which are very easy to fix to a wall with pre-drilled fixing holes, you can create a remarkably efficient environment and invest in safe cylinder storage while boosting productivity..
Wall racking is a simple option, but tends to lend itself better to smaller cylinders. Handheld gas cylinders such as those used in welding and other types of metal work are excellent for wall rack systems, but bigger cylinders can easily be handled by heavier-duty products.
See our choice of cylinder racks to find a low-cost option for the gas cylinders you want to store.
Gas Cylinder Floor Stands
If you have just one or two large cylinders that need both storage and easy access, then a floor stand is a good option. A gas cylinder floor stand can come in a square or round shape and it is also possible to find very heavy-duty stands for the bulkiest or most difficult-to-manage containers.
Tips for Storing & Handling Gas Cylinders Safely
While the HSE guidelines for gas cylinder storage are broad, they are a good resource for people with many types of gas storage needs. See below for some tips on safe handling and storage:
- Store upright, which is a best practice that can prevent many issues including leaks
- Store with sufficient ventilation, which is necessary for all indoor cylinder storage
- Use a load-bearing surface or a concrete wall, cylinders need a solid floor to rest upon
- Store cylinders away from other substances, such as corrosive of flammable liquids
- Weight limits for cylinder stacks are 30,000 kg outdoors or 5,000 kg indoors
Most industrial applications for gas storage or use have training as a prerequisite, but those using gas for their hobbies, like metal work, should definitely be aware of these best practices.
You can find more information and get further guidance on the official HSE website.
Buy Gas Cylinder Storage with Free UK Delivery
Gas cylinders are used in many commercial and industrial operations, from factories and plants to classrooms and kitchens. With effective indoor and outdoor options, we can help make the storage and access of various compressed gases safer, more secure and much easier to use.
We also offer an incredible low-price promise, so you can be sure that any product we sell is at the best possible price. If you see an identical product for a lower price, we will match or beat it! Please feel free to browse and order online or get in touch if you have any product questions.