Do the gas suppliers have smaller cylinders that I can use?
Yes.
Gases supplied in cylinders can be in compressed, liquefied or dissolved form.
Cylinders vary in weight, size and shape.
The gas suppliers are able to supply a wide range of different cylinder sizes to suit your location, environment and application.
These physical characteristics present potential manual handling hazards, so appropriate risk assessment, training and handling aids are required.
The different cylinder sizes are usually available to see on their website.
Are there any specific regulations concerning the movement of gas cylinders?
No, not specifically dealing with gas cylinders. However…
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require that, before any manual handling takes place, a risk assessment of manual handling operations is conducted and suitable and appropriate control measures are implemented.
Do you have to be strong in order to move a large gas cylinder?
Large gas cylinders are typically 5 feet tall, they stand on a 10-inch diameter base, and they are inherently unstable.
They can also weigh around 90 kilograms.
Anyone involved in the movement of gas cylinders must have the physical capability to undertake the task.
What personal protective equipment do I need when moving gas cylinders?
Your work activity risk assessment will determine the requirement for the use of hazard controls, including PPE.
The usual minimum PPE required when moving gas cylinders is safety shoes/boots (preferably with metatarsal protection), rigger gloves and safety glasses.
What’s the safest way to move a large gas cylinder?
Safely secured on an appropriately sized cylinder trolley.
Whilst two-wheeled trolleys are very common, three or four-wheeled trolleys are available.
These have the benefit that the operator doesn’t need to support any weight.
I’ve heard of a thing called milk-churning, what is it?
Milk-churning is a manual handling operation where the operator places one hand around the neck of the cylinder, then tilts the cylinder slightly away from their body, balancing it on an area of its base, then uses their other hand to rotate the cylinder and move it forward along the ground.
Churning should only be undertaken on a firm, even surface for short distances (up to 5 metres) by operators who have the physical capability to undertake the manoeuvre, and who have been trained and are wearing the correct PPE.
For longer distances or uneven surfaces, trolleys or mechanical aids should be used.
