Cylinder FAQs

Cylinders can be many different shapes and sizes and all cylinders have the potential to cause injury and damage if stored incorrectly. In addition, certain products (in particular oxygen and acetylene) should not be stored next to each other for safety reasons.

Please read guidelines for storing cylinders safely. For further advice and information, contact Air Products.

Cylinders are very heavy and travel at the same speed as your vehicle. However, unlike your vehicle, they are not fitted with any brakes and unless they are adequately secured they can move forward under braking and cause severe damage.

There are some basic safety rules to follow:

• No smoking
• Check that cylinder valves are properly closed
• If the cylinder is designed to have a cylinder valve cap, then one should be fitted
• Ventilate your vehicle and keep windows open. Do not transport a cylinder in the car boot
• Dismantle equipment such as regulators and hoses and torches
• Ensure all cylinders are properly secured and prevented from moving during your journey
• Go directly to your destination
• Immediately unload when arriving at destination or if stopping for a longer time and store cylinders in a ventilated place

To get further information about the loading, unloading, collecting and transportation of gas cylinders, please take a look at the guide 'Safe Transport of Gas' guide provided by European Industrial Gas Association (EIGA).

When you handle cylinders we strongly recommend that you wear

• safety glasses
• safety shoes
• ordinary work gloves

For cutting and welding operations you should use

• welder’s gloves
• welder’s helmet and goggles
• leather sleeves
• leather apron
• and other standard protective equipment in accordance with the appropriate task risk assessment

Safety Boot

Oil and grease are substances that are strictly forbidden in the gas industry as they may react when in contact with some gases like oxygen. Oxygen and other oxidant gases can react violently and produce a fire or an explosion when in contact with oils or grease. So lubrication of cylinders/packs is not allowed, in order to prevent highly risk potential accidents.

Air Products employees are trained on the incompatibility of oil or grease and other substances with the gases we produce.

To find the optimum gas mixture for your welding process use our Gas Selector tool on the Welding and Cutting page.