- All cylinders should be considered and treated as full, regardless of their content.

- Keep cylinders away from artificial heat sources (eg. flames or heaters).

- Do not store cylinders near combustible materials or flammable liquids.

- Keep flammable gases away from sources of ignition.

- Keep cylinders in well drained areas, out of water pools or ponds.

- The storage area should be kept well ventilated and clean at all times. Ideally do not store in confined spaces.

- Avoid below ground storage, where possible. Where impractical, consider enclosed space risks.

- There should be good access to the storage area for delivery vehicles. The ground surface should be reasonably level and firm (preferably concrete).

- Storage area should be designed to prevent unauthorised entry, to protect untrained people from hazards and guard cylinders from theft.

- Different types of gases must be stored separately, in accordance with State Dangerous Goods legislation. Also refer to AS4332 (The Storage and Handling of Gases in Cylinders).

- Stores must clearly show signage in accordance with state Dangerous Goods regulations. This includes Class Diamonds; HAZCHEM; no smoking and naked flame warning signs.

- Full and empty cylinders should be kept separate.

- Toxic and corrosive gases should be stored separately from all other gases.

- Liquefied flammable cylinders must be stored upright on a firm, level floor (ideally concrete). This is also preferable for most other gas cylinders.

- Store cylinders away from heavy traffic and emergency exits.

- Rotate stock of full cylinders, and use cylinders on a 'first in, first out' basis.

- Never repaint or obscure cylinder label, even if cylinder is rusty, dirty or damaged. This can result in unsafe situations.

- Never apply any unauthorised labels markings to cylinders, unless advised by BOC to identify faulty cylinders.

- Avoid storing cylinders below 0ºC. Some mixtures may separate below this.

- Regularly check for leaks and faults.

- Keep oil and grease away from cylinders and valves.

- Never use force when opening or closing valves.

When handling gas cylinders, and in line with current manual handling regulations, it is advisable that the following precautions are followed:

- Larger cylinders are heavy. Manual handling risk assessments and training should be undertaken.

- Safety shoes and gloves should be worn when handling cylinders.

- Cylinders should be handled with care and not knocked violently or allowed to fall.

- Cylinders should be moved with the appropriate size and type of trolley.

- Cylinder valves must be closed when moving cylinders and equipment should be detached.

- Only people trained in cylinder manual handling should move cylinders over short distance.

- Over longer distances, use appropriate trolleys or pallets, and firmly secure cylinders into them.

- Never roll cylinders along the ground as this may cause the valve to open accidentally. It may also damage the cylinder, label and paintwork.

- DO carry and refer to Initial Emergency Response Guide or Emergency Procedure Guide "EPG" if a cylinder is suspected to be leaking.

- DO whenever possible transport cylinders on open vehicles, utilities or trailers. Do not cover with tarpaulin.

- DO ensure cylinder valves are tightly shut and, if provided, valve protection guards/caps and/or valve outlet gas tight plugs or caps are fitted and nipped up.

- DO check all cylinders for leaks, (e.g. with soapy water) prior to loading into an enclosed compartment of a vehicle. Seek advice from local representatives.

- DO ensure cylinders are secured on vehicle to prevent movement under all transport conditions. Flammable liquefiable gas must be transported vertically.

- DO ensure cylinders are not damaged by other equipment carried on the vehicle. This could lead to cylinder damage and even rupture.

- DO ensure cylinders are loaded within the rigid sides or gates and tailgate of the vehicle.

- DO remove regulators, hoses etc. from cylinders before transporting.

- DO park enclosed vehicles with cylinders on board in the shade, if possible.

- DO NOT smoke, use naked flame or non flameproof electrics anywhere near a vehicle carrying Class 2.1 flammable gases.

- DO NOT leave cylinders unattended in enclosed vehicles for extended periods e.g. more than 1 hour and especially overnight. Ensure adequate ventilation.

- DO NOT use cylinders which are standing in an enclosed vehicle. Always remove outside first.