Statutory Information Sheet No.

21

Compressed Gas Cylinders Revision 01 Corporate EHS

Dated

In view of the extensive use of compressed gas cylinders for industrial operations and its
inherent hazardous nature, safety in the use of compressed gas cylinders covering handling,
storage and safe manner of use are very important.

Applicable Statutes/Salient Features/Provisions of Statutes

The Factories Act, 1948 & Model Rules made thereunder

Being a pressure plant, compressed Gas Cylinders are covered by the provisions under Section
31 of the Factories Act . However, the Rules have specifically exempted compressed Gas
Cylinders in view of their exclusive and complete coverage under the Gas Cylinder Rules 1981.

Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981 made there under the Explosive Act, 1884

Closed metal containers intended for the storage and transport of compressed gas having a
volume exceeding 500 ml. (1/2 litre) but not exceeding 1000 litres are covered under these
Rules. But containers exceeding 1000 litres are covered under SMPV Rules. This exclusive
compilation of 78 Rules, Five Schedules and Forms A to F are covered under ten chapters
dealing with important aspects e.g. construction, test & examination of cylinders, restrictions on
filling, possession, import or transportation of cylinders, valves and other fittings meeting the
requirements of standards, markings and colour coding of cylinders, precautions in handling and
use, etc. Relevant rules from users point of view are mentioned below:
Rule No. 3 : requires that every cylinder and its valve and other fittings to be constructed,
tested, examined and certified as per the Standards given in the Schedules to this Rule.
Rule No. 6 & 7 : specify the markings by stamping, engraving or similar process on the cylinder
and valve respectively. The rules provide the details including manufacturer’s identity and
inspector’s stamp to be so marked.
Rule No. 8 : specifies colour coding for industrial cylinders as per IS:4379 and specifies in sub-
rule (2) such colour marking for new gases and gas mixtures not given in the IS 4379.
Rule 13 : prohibits employment of children & intoxicated persons in loading/unloading and any
premises licenced under Gas Cylinders Rules.
Rule 18 & 19 : deal with safe handling & use and storage of cylinders.
Rule 20 : owner of every cylinder is required to keep for the life of the cylinder a record
containing prescribed information.
Rule 39 to 42: deal with Periodical Examination & Testing of cylinders and specifies IS:5844 to
be followed.
Rule 43: specifies the conditions when a cylinder can be condemned.
Rule 44: requires maintaining a history sheet with record of tests, examination and repairs to be
maintained for each cylinder by testing station.

National Standards

There are over 35 Indian Standards relating to Gas Cylinders, covering individual gases such as
Liquified petroleum gas, Ammonia, Chlorine, Oxygen, Acetylene etc., Hand Trolleys for handling
gas cylinders, valve fittings; Hydrostatic stretch testing, material of construction, valve inspection
gauges etc. Standards dealing with constructions, fitments, testing & examinations are :

Developed by National Safety Council, Navi Mumbai

IS : 3224 1979 - Specification for valve fittings (excluding LPG cylinders); IS: 3933 1966 &
IS:4379- Colour code of gas cylinders for medical & industrial use; IS:5844 1970-
Recommendations for Hydrostatic stretch testing of compressed gas cylinders; IS: 5903 1970-
Recommendations for safety devices for gas cylinders; IS: 7302 1974-Specification for valve
fittings for gas cylinders, valves for use with breathing apparatus; IS: 8198 1964 Code of
Practice for steel cylinders in 12 parts; IS: 8739 1995- Specifications for valve fittings for use
with LPG cylinders of > 5 litres capacity; IS:14489 1998 - Code of Practice on OHS Audit
contains 5 points for checking safety of gas cylinder storage (Questions 249 to 253).

NSCI Publication titled “Safety in the Use of Compressed Gas Cylinders” provides guidelines in
handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders.

ITC EHS Guidelines cover (Para 3.16) compressed gases. It requires storing of Oxygen
Cylinders separately from other gases, strapping individual cylinders to upright supports,
ensuring that flash arrestor is fitted in the acetylene cylinders, broken gauges and copper
connectors are not used.

Management Responsibilities

Management shall ensure that-

 All compressed gas cylinders are procured from dealers duly licenced by CCE and that they
conform to codal requirements;
 All cylinders are having valve protection & approved markings;
 All compressed Gas Cylinders are handled and stored under supervision;
 A compilation of do’s and don’ts is prepared to educate all concerned in the handling of
compressed gas cylinders;
 Accessories like handling trolleys, chains for storage are made available and maintained in
good condition;
 Storage space for gas cylinders is well ventilated.

International Standards

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 of UK and the Regulations made thereunder
 Under this Act, the regulations titled “The Carriage of Dangerous Goods (classification,
packaging and labeling) and use of transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996:
SI 1996/2092; The highly flammable liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations
1972 :SI/917 & The Pressure Vessels (Verification) Regulations 1988 : SI 1988/896 cover
the safety aspects relating to gas cylinders.
 HSE has published a guidance booklet on the Safe Use of Gas Cylinders.

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), 1970 of USA

Sub-part H - Hazardous Materials: contain several Regulations (Reg. 1910-101 to 120) on
compressed gas cylinders; R.1910.101 on Compressed Gases (General requirements) deal
with inspection of compressed gas cylinders, handling in the users premises and safety relief
devices. Individuals gases have separate Regulations. R.1910.102 Acetylene; R.1910.103
Hydrogen; R.1910.104 Oxygen; R.1910.105 Nitrous Oxide etc.

ILO Publication “Modular Check list, Guidance & Master Contents” contain 11 check points
(5.1.16) on the safety aspects relating to Gas Cylinders.

C-4:ITC Project\Compressed Gas Cylinders

Developed by National Safety Council, Navi Mumbai

Developed by National Safety Council, Navi Mumbai