The Rules for Storing Gas Cylinders at Home

Gas cylinders are used in homes for internal and external heating, but can pose severe risks if housed incorrectly. When looking to store gas cylinders in your own home there are some crucial tips to keep in mind, alongside general behaviour that can help you avoid accidents.

How to Store Gas Cylinders in Your Home

You should never compromise your safety when storing gas cylinders at home. The ideal location will vary based on certain factors, but should always prioritise these safety considerations.

• An exterior location: Gas bottles must be stored externally. The exception to this is butane, which you are allowed to store up to 2 15kg bottles indoors.
• Store vertically: Gas cylinders are designed to be stored in an upright position on a flat surface, and risk springing leaks if stored on their sides.
• Keep away from heat or ignition sources: Heat or fire near a gas cylinder can cause it to explode, making it crucial to keep yours away from both heat sources, and ignition sources like wood.
• Proper identification: Make sure each cylinder is properly marked with safety notices and other operational identifications. Separate your full and empty cylinders.
• Ventilation: Gas cylinders need to be well ventilated, to help the gas dissipate, if stored at low levels, such as within recessed areas, gas can collect as it is heavier than air. This is a severe risk, and also means they should be kept away from drains.
• Protect pets and children: Having cylinders locked away can help keep them out of access for pets and children.

The Best Locations to Store Gas Cylinders

When looking to store gas cylinders safely at your home, you’ll need an exterior location for propane and larger butane canisters. You’ll want a flat surface, not near a drain and level with the ground to avoid gas pooling. There will need to be no sources of heat or ignition around the location. Opting for a gas cage can keep your cylinders safe and upright. Installing a fire-resistant storage unit can also be a great idea.

What Not to Do

Alongside these clear tips to keep safe, there are some things you must avoid when storing gas cylinders at your home.

• Don’t store gas bottles below the ground level: As we covered, pooling gas can be both a fire risk and a suffocation risk for those who handle gas cylinders.
• Don’t store gas cylinders on their sides: They are designed to be stored upright, and any other methods increase risk.
• Don’t store propane indoors: Propane poses an acute risk to you when stored indoors, and must be kept externally.
• Don’t change cylinders near a flame: Whatever you are using your LPG gas cylinders with, ensure it is off when you change cylinders.
• Don’t relax with empty cylinders: A cylinder may not be as empty as you think, making it essential to treat all cylinders the same.
• Don’t keep cylinders near dangerous materials: Things like corrosive or toxic materials can be dangerous in combination with a cylinder.

Other Important Safety Tips

The storage of gas cylinders around your home is just one aspect where safety is crucial. When moving or using a propane or butane cylinder, here are some other tips to ensure you remain safe.

• Gas cylinder valves are intended to be operated by hand only, and you could damage them if you use a tool to do so.
• Leak detection fluid can be used to find even the smallest leak on a gas canister.
• Only order the number of cylinders you actually need, as having more full cylinders than needed adds unnecessary risk.
• Regularly check your gas cylinders and their storage area to make sure it is suitable.
• Work with a reputable supplier, and have your cylinders refilled only through them.
• Don’t take risks in an emergency, evacuate yourself if you believe there is a problem.
• Read the specific hazards of each gas you are storing.

Professional Gas Cylinder Storage Solutions

We offer a range of storage and transport solutions, allowing you to keep gas cylinders safe whilst in use. You’ll find options designed around taller cylinders or storing multiple cylinders, all intended for long-term exterior use.
We also offer a wealth of information about gas cylinders through our blog. If you want to know about UK storage regulations, signage requirements, and ways to check the level of gas remaining in a cylinder, you’ll find it through our site.

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