How to Store Medical Gas Cylinders Safely and Correctly

Storing, moving, and transporting medical gas cylinders is a critical task that requires utmost attention to mitigate any mishappenings. It is highly essential to know the best practices of handling and storing medical gas cylinders before dealing with them. In this detailed blog post, we will explore the tips and guidelines for storing and handling medical gas cylinders properly.

A] Understanding the Risks Associated with Medical Gas Cylinders

Every medical gas cylinder must be treated with extra caution, as they contain high-pressure and flammable gases. It may cause serious injuries to patients and operators if mishandled or poorly placed. Below are the risks associated with medical gas cylinders: 

1. Gases Under High Pressure

Medical gas cylinders store high-pressure gases that may leak, catch fire, or even explode if not placed or handled properly. Poorly handled medical gas cylinders pose a higher risk of injury and cause the ruination of tangible assets. 

2. Fire & Explosion Hazards

Oxygen itself is not a flammable gas, but it can provoke other flammable gases to catch fire, leading to fire and explosion hazards. Moreover, nitrous oxide, a medical gas, is also a flammable gas and can act as an oxidiser to support combustion.

3. Asphyxiation & Toxicity Risks

Leaks of inert or toxic gases in confined spaces can displace the breathable air, called oxygen displacement. It leads to asphyxiation and other serious conditions due to the poisonous effects released by toxic gases.

B] Ideal Storage Environment for Medical Gas Cylinders

The following are the ideal characteristics of a safe and compliant cylinder storage area. Every medical cylinder should be kept following the best practices described below:

1. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation, either natural or forced, is essential to prevent gas buildups and ensure dispersion of accidental gas leaks. Also, certain medical gases, like oxygen, can create explosive environments if they reach higher concentrations. So, ensuring proper ventilation for gas cylinder storage creates a safe environment for operators and patients within the hospital area.

2. Keep Away from Heat and Sunlight

Exposure to heat and sunlight could elevate the concentration of medical gases, particularly explosive gases, and may lead to leaks or explosions. Moreover, heat also raises the temperature of high-pressure gases, leading to the expansion of gas molecules at dangerous levels. So, ensuring cylinders are kept away from sunlight, hot machinery, or electrical panels mitigates the explosive circumstances created by the heat. 

3. Use Level, Non-Slip Flooring

Levelled and non-slippery floors ensure cylinders stand firmly and prevent them from tipping and rolling. The storage area of the cylinders should be constructed flat from all dimensions and must be able to withstand the weight of the cylinders. Also, floors should be made from fire-resistant materials, like concrete, to mitigate the possibility of catching fire in case of leakage.

4. Avoid Enclosed or Below-Ground Rooms

Enclosed or below-ground rooms can easily trap gas leaks due to a lack of ventilation. Therefore, every medical gas cylinder must be kept in well-ventilated areas to dissipate leakage or gas buildups. If outdoor storage is not possible, then ensure that the space has forced ventilation to prevent gas accumulation. 

5. Cylinder Positioning, Handling, and Securing

Cylinders must stand vertically and be secured with chains or brackets. They must not be rolled or dragged by their caps to ensure the protection of the mounted devices. The use of an appropriate tray or trolley is advised to move or transport the cylinders. The medical gas cylinder storage area should have separate sections for full and empty for clear segregation. 

6. Use Valve Caps When Not in Use

A valve cap is crucial safety equipment, preventing the gas from contamination and potential leaks when not in use. It also safeguards the valve from accidental damage and keeps the valve area clean. So, to prevent potential damage and leaks, always cap the valve after every use.

7. Move with Approved Trolleys

Improper handling without using approved or appropriate transporting mediums can damage the structural integrity of the medical gas cylinders. So, to prevent these mishappenings, always use approved trolleys to move or transport the medical cylinders.

8. Maintain Clear Access Space

Maintaining clear access space between the cylinders is vital for safety and operational efficiency. It allows inspection teams to perform inspections seamlessly and provide easy access in case of emergency needs. Moreover, it also provides trouble-free handling and transporting.

C] Segregation and Labeling Rules

The following are the segregation and labelling guidelines for safe storage of gas cylinders in medical facilities. Adhering to these guidelines ensures safe use of medical gases.

1. Separate Oxygen from Fuel Gases: As discussed, oxygen is not a flammable gas, but it can act as a catalyst for flammable gases, like nitrous oxide. So, clear segregation between oxygen and flammable gas is highly essential.
2. Use Clear Warning Signage: Use of clear warning signage informs people around about the presence of the hazardous gas. So, ensure visible signs, like ‘No Smoking’ and ‘Medical Oxygen Tank Storage Area’, have been installed near the storage area. 
3. Label Cylinders by Status: Labelling cylinders as per the present status of the cylinder, like empty, full, or in use, allows operators to seamlessly know the current status of the cylinder. It also helps in accessing the required medical gas cylinders in case of emergency.
4. Avoid Stacking Cylinders: Stacking cylinders could lead to structural damage and injuries. So, do not lay cylinders flat or pile them up, as it increases the risk of valve damage.

D] Routine Inspection and Maintenance Checks

Routine inspection and maintenance checks are vital for ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with regulations issued by the medical authorities. The following are the routine and professional maintenance schedules for medical and oxygen gas cylinders:

1. Daily Visual Inspection: Daily visual inspection should involve checking the valve, pressure gauge, and overall condition of the cylinder. Also, check for dents, rust, and wear every day.
2. Leak Testing: Leak testing should be performed every two years to ensure every cylinder in use is leak-free and approved for medical use. When testing, never use flames or sparks; instead, use a soap solution for leak detection.
3. Scheduled Hydrostatic Testing: Hydrostatic testing checks for the current ability to withstand pressure and leaks. It should be performed every five years to ensure the structural integrity of the medical gas cylinders.

E] Regulatory Requirements in India for Medical Oxygen Cylinder Safety

The following are the key Indian cylinder storage regulations and compliance guidelines for medical oxygen cylinders:

1. Follow the Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016

The safety of medical oxygen cylinders is governed by the Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016, which fall under the Explosives Act, 1886. These rules outline the mandate requirements in the design, import, filling, storage, and handling of gas cylinders. Hospitals should ensure they comply with these rules.

2. Understand PESO Guidelines

PESO (Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation) has issued the oxygen cylinder storage guidelines, which mandate obtaining necessary licences, proper storage locations, and adherence to safety protocols during filling and transporting. Hospitals should ensure they are following these guidelines.

3. Check BIS Standards

Under the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, high-pressure cylinders should have BIS certification, compliance with IS 7285 (Part 2), and adherence to purity standards outlined in IS 309. Also, medical cylinders must comply with IS 14406 and relevant codes.

Conclusion

Medical gas cylinders are a highly essential component for hospitals, supporting various medical procedures and surgeries. To ensure this life-saving equipment stays safe and structurally integrated till its lifespan, follow the described gas cylinder safety tips and guidelines. 

Rama Cylinders is one of the largest CNG cylinder manufacturers in India. We have sold over seven million medical and industrial cylinders across the globe. Every cylinder goes through rigorous testing, making them pass national and international quality standards and safety guidelines. If you are looking for oxygen, helium, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide cylinders for medical use, contact us now.