Gas is one of the most essential requirements in winter. It can help you survive the cold by keeping you warm, and can also boost your morale during chilly days by heating up some succulent barbeque for your family to enjoy!
You’re in luck because Eureka Oxygen is at your service with a wide collection of cylinder and industrial gases to suit your needs. However, while you’re storing your gas, it requires proper safety measures to adhere to in order to avoid leaks and stay safe. Here are our top tips to keep your cylinder gases stored properly.
- Store your gas cylinders outside
It is one of the most important precautionary measures to take. If you think keeping the cylinders outside will cause the gas canister to deteriorate, then you can rest easy. It won’t cause any problems, instead, it will protect you from any gas-related accidents that can take place inside the house.
On the other hand, even when storing it outside, you should keep a check on the canister every now and then to ensure everything is well. Freezing temperatures can result in some problems with regulators or valves. It’s imperative to make sure that the connector hose is removed and the valve is properly turned off because even when the probability of any accidental occurrences has been reduced, you don’t want to lose the gas to the environment.
- Know everything about the kind of gas you’re storing
Every gas has its own properties and works effectively according to that. Calor gas won’t freeze by itself and end up rupturing the container. Butane gas will work properly only at temperatures below -2 degrees. If you have stored the cylinder outside in your backyard in the morning, there is a higher chance of it not working. It basically is designed for indoor use. Propane gas, on the other hand, has a freezing point of -180o Celsius which does not happen naturally. It is highly recommended for outdoor usage.
- Correct storage of cylinders
If you’re storing your gas cylinders in the external environment, you need to make sure that proper procedures are followed for utmost safety and security. You should always keep a check that the tap is properly covered to prevent any sort of blockage that can occur due to dust or trapping of similar items. By tying a rag around the tap, you can keep the cylinder intact and avoid any problems due to moisture freezing.
- Propane storage
Propane can be stored outside for perfect usage. Freezing temperatures are no big deal for propane so there’s nothing to worry about. It should never be stored anyplace in the house, your vehicle, or temperatures rising from 49o Celsius. For that, you need to make sure you keep it away from direct sunlight. Make sure the area you store it in is well-ventilated.
- Helium Storage
Helium is a non-inflammatory gas but it should not be stored in a room with high temperature. The increase in temperature can cause the gas to expand which can result in accidents. Store a helium cylinder indoors instead of outdoors in winter. Helium is stored at high pressure, so make sure the nozzle on the canister is tightened up. Don’t store these cylinders in a damp room as that can devastate the integrity of the canister.
- Stand them upright
Make sure that the cylinders are standing upright instead of lying horizontally on the ground. It will prevent any sort of leakage. Keep it at a higher place instead of the ground, preferably a shelf. It will ensure the instrument stays out of reach and prevents it from being knocked over. Keep it away from the reach of children.
- Do not roll or drag them
Gas cylinders are large and heavy, so you can face difficulties while moving them. Whenever you do that, make sure you do not roll or drag them. It can knock you over and cause you injury. It can also result in damaging the tap of your cylinder causing a leak. Make sure whenever you move them, that you have a mechanical handling device handy.
- Protection before a snowstorm
Whenever a snowstorm is predicted, make sure to cover the regulators, relieve the valves and cover the valves with a protective cap or a dome. This will prevent the valves from freezing or the regulator from clogging. You need to make sure that any exposed area is kept out from moisture. You can keep the regulator’s head down to protect it.
Keep the chimneys, vents, or flues clear of any snow or ice because the clogging can result in a build-up of carbon monoxide which is hazardous for any gas cylinder stored inside the house.
- Keep empty cylinders aside
If you’re storing all the cylinders in a single place, label them to separate the empty and filled cylinders. Label the cylinders according to the type of gas as well so you are well aware of the kind of gas you’re using and if you’re using it for the right purpose.
- Keep a fire extinguisher near the storage area
It is very important that you keep a fire extinguisher near the storage area. In case of any accident, you can easily access it and use it to extinguish the fire yourself instead of waiting for emergency services to assist. If you sense a leak in gas, leave the area as quickly as possible and wait for an emergency team to inspect the area.
All compressed gases such as Propane, Butane, Argon CO2, and Helium need to be dealt with extremely carefully and cautiously to prevent any mishaps. Every gas should be kept in its desirable environment to ensure effective use. In case of any questions regarding the best use of gases, how to store them, and how to use them safely, you can contact our knowledgeable staff at Eureka Oxygen!