The Basics Of Safe Storage And Handling For Oxygen Cylinders 

Have you ever noticed those tall metal gas cylinders that seem to be everywhere? More often than not, they’re oxygen cylinders, and their safe storage and handling is of paramount importance to human health and safety. 

You’ve probably noticed them when you’re driving down the freeway, even if you’re not in an industry that uses them. You might see them upright in the back of pickups or open box trucks, and you may have observed they are strapped or chained in place. And if you work in hazardous materials, you may already have had to safely store and transport oxygen cylinders from point A to point B. Shipping these cylinders typically involves strapping them in, keeping them upright, labeling them correctly, and maybe even not transporting oxygen cylinders alongside other compressed gasses. Whether you’ve spent thousands of hours on the job and want a refresher on safe storage and handling, or are brand new to the world of hazmat, we’ve got all of your bases covered in this quick rundown.

As a custom case manufacturer since the 1980s, we have learned a few things over the last few decades at Americase. But if you don’t live and breathe hazmat material transportation the way we do – or if you’re just entering the field of hazmat safety — you may wonder if all this is necessary. 

The short answer:  Yes, it is. But let’s take a deeper look at why.

Pressurizing makes it all possible

When a cylinder is filled with a compressed gas (such as oxygen), it will hold about 160 times its own volume. That’s how such large quantities of gas can be transported in what seems like mathematically impossible small spaces. But pressurization and compression also quite literally turn those sleek canisters into potentially deadly hazards in waiting. And keeping them from becoming dangers is the vitally important valve.

Valves keep the entire canister pressurized until the gas contained within is ready for use. But if a valve were to get damaged and somehow knocked off, the cylinder could become an uncontrolled projectile with the capacity to cause harm or death. In the case of compression, it’s not the compressed material alone that creates the danger. It’s the compression itself, just by the nature of physics. 

Oxygen: Nonflammable and vital for life, but handle with care

Pressurization presents dangers, but it also is what gives us the ability to contain, transport, and use oxygen in so many settings. Compressed oxygen canisters are ubiquitous, because this life-sustaining element has many important jobs, including: 

• Hospitals and medical settings, to treat patients with chronic lung conditions, during anesthesia, and for emergency resuscitation.
• Industrial setting and manufacturing to cut metal or weld it together. 
• Aviation and aerospace for pilots, passengers, and astronauts.
• Scuba diving to provide breathable air underwater. 

Oxygen itself is a safe and common non-flammable gas. And although oxygen itself is not combustible, it supports and accelerates combustion. That means it can make materials more likely to catch fire and burn far quicker and hotter. That’s why a fire that involves oxygen can seem explosive. You know the old saying “don’t fan the flames”? When fuel and oxygen cross-react very quickly, the result is a powerful and dangerous explosion.

That’s one of the reasons OSHA says that inside of buildings, oxygen cylinders need to be stored in a “well protected, well ventilated, dry location, at least 20 feet from highly combustible materials such as oil or excelsior.” (Excelsior is a name, formerly trademarked, used primarily in the United States to refer to fine wood shavings used in packing and shipping.)

Of course, when you’re shipping oxygen cylinders by air, there are even more considerations than when you’re simply storing them in a building. Even though airplanes carry their own oxygen, transporting oxygen cylinders by air requires specialized containers that are compliant with all government standards and regulations.

When health and safety are on the line, get it right the first time

First and foremost, when you’re dealing with oxygen canisters, you must ensure strict compliance with all local and national regulations. Though it may sound so simple to say “they’re there for a reason,” they are there for a reason. Regulations aren’t arbitrary rulings. They’re the result of countless hours of work analyzing volumes of data generated by industry experts through years of testing and professional expertise, and their end products are guidelines you can rely on to keep you, your coworkers, inventory, and supply chain safe. So, following the regulations to the letter is always best practice. 

How else can you keep everything safe, efficient, and predictable? 

• No cheating: Even moving canisters around a warehouse has dangers. There are handcarts specifically designed for transporting them, typically with a buckle or safety latch so they don’t accidentally fall over. (Remember, pressurized contents mean potential projectiles – so even the shortest trip should keep safety a  top priority.)
• Keep it cool, keep it ventilated: Keep oxygen canisters in a ventilated area during transportation. This is why you’ll see them in an open bed of a pickup truck, instead of in an enclosed space like a car trunk. And of course, keep them away from heat sources. 
• Handle with care: Take caution not to drop or jar the oxygen cylinders. Remember: Although oxygen itself is not flammable, it can react with other substances in the environment. 
• Inspect and scrutinize: You should regularly inspect cylinders for leaks, rust, or damage. Each cylinder should be clearly labeled as to what it contains. There are specific regulations and guidelines regarding labeling.
• Do we even have to say it? This may sound obvious, but please, no smoking near oxygen cylinders (or any compressed gasses).

Trust Americase’s experience in hazmat transportation and standards

When transporting oxygen cylinders or other hazardous materials, it’s not worth taking the risk of not doing it right. Our clients have found immense value in having containers tailor-made that don’t only conform to industry standards but also meet each customer’s unique needs and requirements. When you’re shipping oxygen by air you may have heard the reference to an “ATA 300 category 1” box. The ATA is the Air Transport Association. Part of its work is developing policies and standards that guide various aspects of airline operations, including safety and security. ATA Spec 300 provides specification for packaging of airline supplies and serves as guidelines for shipping containers for use in air transport. Category 1 means that the containers are effective for 100 trips.

One of the key characteristics of ATA 300 containers is that they’re durable to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace industry. They’re usually made from lightweight but strong materials like aluminum, so they can withstand the stress of air travel without adding much weight. Shipping oxygen by air cases are highly specialized and must meet rigid code requirements including flame and heat penetration and fire resistance. Americase’s protective containers meet and exceed all requirements to ensure maximum safety, while their durable construction brings long field life and maximum ROI.

Whatever your challenges in transporting and handling dangerous goods, Americase has the experience, resources, and knowledge to help. From expert guidance and regulatory expertise to in-stock options and custom-engineered containers to meet your unique requirements and specs – Americase will provide you with innovative solutions to your complex shipping or storage challenges.