Compressed gas cylinder handling

Yes. Valve protection caps must be in place and secured on compressed gas cylinders during transport and storage to protect the valve from damage, per 1926.350(a)(1).

• Keep caps tightened and seated whenever regulators are removed and the cylinder is moved unless the cylinder is on a special carrier meant for that purpose (see 1926.350(a)(6)).
• Do not use valve caps as lifting points (see 1926.350(a)(5)).

Cylinders must be secured on a cradle, slingboard, or pallet when hoisted and must not be hoisted by magnets or choker slings, as required by 1926.350(a)(2).

• Use a purpose-designed cradle or pallet that prevents cylinders from tipping or sliding during the lift.
• Never attach lifting devices to valve protection caps (see 1926.350(a)(5)).

Cylinders should be moved by tilting and rolling them on their bottom edges; they must not be intentionally dropped or struck against each other, per 1926.350(a)(3).

• Use cylinder carts or suitable hand trucks when available.
• Avoid dragging or sliding cylinders across surfaces that could damage them.

When transported by powered vehicles, cylinders must be secured in an upright (vertical) position, according to 1926.350(a)(4).

• Use racks, chains, or other securement devices to prevent tipping.
• Block cylinders so they cannot roll or shift during transport.

No. Valve protection caps must not be used for lifting cylinders from one vertical position to another, as stated in 1926.350(a)(5).

• Use approved lifting attachments or cradles designed for cylinders.
• Damaging the cap can damage the valve and create a hazard.

Regulators must be removed and valve protection caps put in place before moving cylinders unless the cylinders are firmly secured on a special carrier intended for that purpose, per 1926.350(a)(6).

• If a regulator remains installed, ensure the cylinder is on a carrier designed to protect the regulator during movement.
• Always verify the valve is closed before removing a cylinder from service (see 1926.350(a)(8)).

Cylinders shall be kept from being knocked over while in use by using a suitable cylinder truck, chain, or other steadying device, as required by 1926.350(a)(7).

• Secure cylinders to benches or fixed structures with chains or straps.
• Cylinder trucks or stands are recommended for mobile tasks to keep cylinders upright.

The cylinder valve must be closed when work is finished, when cylinders are empty, or when cylinders are moved at any time, according to 1926.350(a)(8).

• Close valves before disconnecting regulators (see 1926.350(d)(4)).
• Confirm pressure is bled from hoses or regulators before storage or transport.

Yes. Compressed gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position at all times except for short periods when necessary for hoisting or carrying, per 1926.350(a)(9).

• Store with chains or straps to prevent tipping.
• Some gases (e.g., certain liquefied gases) have manufacturer-specific storage orientations—follow supplier guidance in addition to 1926.350(a)(9).

Oxygen cylinders in storage must be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials by at least 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high with a one-half hour fire-resistance rating, as specified in 1926.350(a)(10).

• Where physical separation is impractical, use the required noncombustible barrier.
• Keep oxygen cylinders away from oil, grease, and other fuels (see 1926.350(i)).

Inside buildings, cylinders must be stored in a well-protected, well-ventilated, dry location at least 20 feet (6.1 m) from highly combustible materials and in assigned places away from elevators, stairs, or gangways, per 1926.350(a)(11).

• Do not store cylinders in unventilated enclosures such as lockers or cupboards.
• Position storage so cylinders are not subject to tampering or damage from passing objects.

The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of compressed gases must follow the Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965, as stated in 1926.350(a)(12).

• Employers should consult the CGA pamphlet for detailed safety practices in addition to complying with 1926.350.
• Follow supplier instructions, DOT cylinder specifications (see 49 CFR 178), and manufacturer guidance.

Cylinders must be kept far enough away from the actual welding or cutting operation so that sparks, hot slag, or flame will not reach them, or fire-resistant shields must be provided if that separation is impractical, as required by 1926.350(b)(1).

• Maintain a safe distance consistent with the size of the operation and type of materials being welded.
• Provide fire watches and shields where separation cannot be achieved.

No. Cylinders must be placed so they cannot become part of an electrical circuit, and electrodes must not be struck against a cylinder to strike an arc, as stated in 1926.350(b)(2).

• Position cylinders away from conductive paths and ground connections.
• Use insulated clamps and follow electrical safety practices around cylinders.

Fuel gas cylinders must be placed with the valve end up whenever they are in use, as required by 1926.350(b)(3).

• This orientation helps prevent liquid fuel or dissolved gas from entering regulators and hoses.
• Use stands or chains to keep them upright during operation.

No. Cylinders containing oxygen, acetylene, or other fuel gas shall not be taken into confined spaces according to 1926.350(b)(4).

• Confined space entries have unique atmospheric and access hazards; follow confined space entry procedures if work requires gases.
• If gases must be used in such a space, coordinate with safety personnel and comply with confined space standards.

No. Cylinders, whether full or empty, must not be used as rollers or supports, as specified in 1926.350(c)(1).

• Using cylinders in this way risks mechanical damage and valve failure.
• Use proper rollers, supports, or material-handling equipment instead.

Only the gas supplier or the owner (or a person authorized by the owner) may refill a cylinder or mix gases; no other person may attempt to mix gases in a cylinder, as stated in 1926.350(c)(2).

• Using a cylinder for a gas other than its intended content is prohibited.
• Ensure cylinders meet Department of Transportation requirements in 49 CFR 178.

No. Damaged or defective cylinders must not be used, according to 1926.350(c)(3).

• Tag and remove damaged cylinders from service and notify the supplier.
• Inspect cylinders regularly for dents, gouges, corrosion, or valve damage.

Before connecting a regulator, the valve must be opened slightly and closed immediately ("cracked") while the person stands to the side of the outlet to clear dust or dirt, per 1926.350(d)(1).

• Stand to the side, never in front of the outlet when cracking a valve.
• After cracking, open the valve slowly when attaching the regulator (see 1926.350(d)(2)).

Valves on fuel gas cylinders shall not be opened more than 1½ turns and must always be opened slowly; when a special wrench is required, it must be left in position on the valve stem while the cylinder is in use, as required by 1926.350(d)(2).

• The wrench allows quick shutoff in an emergency; at least one wrench must be available for manifolded cylinders.
• Do not place objects on top of cylinders that could interfere with quick valve closing.

No; fuel gas must not be used from cylinders through torches or other devices with shutoff valves without first reducing pressure through a suitable regulator attached to the cylinder valve, per 1926.350(d)(3). Before removing a regulator, the cylinder valve must be closed and gas released from the regulator as required by 1926.350(d)(4).

• Always bleed pressure from the regulator and hoses before disconnecting.
• Ensure valve is fully closed and pressure gauges read zero before removal.

If there is a leak around the valve stem, the valve must be closed and the gland nut tightened; if the leak persists at the valve seat or a safety device (like a fuse plug), the cylinder must be removed from the work area and properly tagged, per 1926.350(d)(5) and 1926.350(d)(6).

• If a regulator can stop a leak through the valve seat effectively, the cylinder need not be removed (see 1926.350(d)(6)).
• Tag defective cylinders and notify the supplier for repair or replacement.

Manifolds must bear the substance name in letters at least 1-inch high, be placed in safe, well-ventilated, accessible locations, and have connections that prevent interchange of oxygen and fuel gas hoses; adapters to permit interchange are prohibited, per 1926.350(e)(1)–(4).

• Keep manifold and header hose connections free of grease and oil and cap them when not in use (see 1926.350(e)(3) and 1926.350(e)(4)).
• Do not place items on top of manifolds that could interfere with quick valve closing (see 1926.350(e)(5)).

Oxygen and fuel gas hoses must be clearly distinguishable, not interchangeable, and inspected at the start of each shift; defective hoses must be removed from service and flashback-affected hoses must be tested to twice normal pressure (but not less than 300 psi), as required by 1926.350(f)(1)–(6).

• Use different colors or tactile characteristics to distinguish hoses (see 1926.350(f)(1)).
• Hose couplings must require rotary motion to disconnect (see 1926.350(f)(5)).
• Keep hoses clear of passageways and stairways (1926.350(f)(7)).

Torches must be inspected at the beginning of each shift for leaking shutoff valves, hose couplings, and tip connections; clogged torch tips should be cleaned with proper cleaning tools and defective torches must not be used, according to 1926.350(g)(1)–(3).

• Light torches only with friction lighters or approved devices (see 1926.350(g)(3)).
• Replace worn or leaking components promptly to prevent flashbacks or leaks.

Regulators and gauges must be in proper working order while in use, and oxygen cylinders and fittings must be kept away from oil or grease and handled with clean, dry hands or gloves, as required by 1926.350(h) and 1926.350(i).

• Never use oily rags, lubricants, or petroleum-based products on oxygen fittings or near oxygen systems.
• Keep equipment, caps, valves, and regulators free of oily substances to prevent combustion hazards.

Employers should consult the applicable technical portions of American National Standards Institute Z49.1-1967, Safety in Welding and Cutting, for additional details not covered in this subpart, as directed by 1926.350(j).

• Use the ANSI standard to supplement OSHA rules for safe welding and cutting practices.
• Combine ANSI guidance with the OSHA provisions in 1926.350 for a complete safety approach.