Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Introduction to Health and Safety at Work
214
ambient temperature, the small quantity is considered 
to be up to 50 litres and this should be held in a special 
metal cupboard or container. (Figure 13.8).
Any larger amounts should be kept in special fi re-
resisting store, which should be:
➤
properly 
ventilated
➤
provided with spillage retaining arrangement such 
as sills
➤
free of sources of ignition, such as unprotected elec-
trical equipment, sources of static electrical sparks, 
naked fl ames or smoking materials
➤
arranged so that incompatible chemicals do not 
become mixed together either in normal use or in a 
fi re situation
➤
of 
fi re resisting construction
➤
used for empty as well as full containers – all con-
tainers must be kept closed
➤
kept clear of combustible materials such as card-
board or foam plastic packaging materials.
13.9.7 Flammable 
gases
Flammable gas cylinders also need to be stored and 
used safely. The following guidance should be adopted:
➤
both full and empty cylinders should be stored 
outside. They should be kept in a separate secure 
compound at ground level with suffi cient ventilation. 
Open mesh is preferable
➤
valves should be uppermost during storage to retain 
them in the vapour phase of the LPG
➤
cylinders must be protected from mechanical dam-
age. Unstable cylinders should be together, for 
example and cylinders must be protected from the 
heat of the summer sun
➤
the correct fi ttings must be used. These include 
hose, couplers, clamps and regulators
➤
gas valves must be turned off after use at the end of 
the shift
➤
precautions must be taken against to avoid weld-
ing fl ame ‘fl ash back’ into the hoses or cylinders. 
People need training in the proper lighting up and 
safe systems of work procedures; non-return valves 
and fl ame arrestors also need to be fi tted
➤
cylinders must be changed in a well-ventilated area 
remote from any sources of ignition
➤
joints should be tested for gas leaks using soapy/
detergent water – never use a fl ame
➤
fl ammable material must be removed or protected 
before welding or similar work
➤
cylinders should be positioned outside buildings 
with gas piped through in fi xed metal piping
➤
both high and low ventilation must be maintained 
where LPG application are being used
➤
fl ame failure devices are necessary to shut off the 
gas supply in the event of fl ame failure.