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#1 Posted : 30 September 2009 16:19:00(UTC)
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Posted By Blue
Not sure about this, but I have came across an open air cage where gas cylinders were stacked on top of each other inside the cage. They were full. Would anyone know if this is allowed or not?

Thanks, B
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#2 Posted : 30 September 2009 22:20:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter
I wouldn't allow it. I'd want the valve of each and every cylinder to be immediately to hand.
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#3 Posted : 01 October 2009 09:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter Zunda
Cylinder storage in this manner is permissable.

Cylinder cages and instructions for use are designed to enable storage to conform with the guidance contained in LPGA Code of Practice No 7.

If you check the websites of the major UK LPG suppliers, there's additional information available.

With my many years experience in the LPG field, the most overlooked item is ensuring the fitment of the bung or cap on all cylinders, both full and empty, as these form a gas tight seal.
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#4 Posted : 01 October 2009 10:36:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter
Peter and I are assuming you're talking about vertically stacked small LPG cylinders.
My suggested approach is based on addressing common poor practice in the retail sector.
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#5 Posted : 01 October 2009 11:12:00(UTC)
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Posted By Messy Shaw
I was involved in a fire investigation some years back which involved a major fire & 50+ explosions in an illegal LPG cylinder depot.

I recall guidance which advised that cylinders should be stacked on the shoulders of the cylinders below and not directly on top.

This was - if I remember correctly, HSE advice and concerned the fact that the pressure release valves discharge vertically from the valve group, so in a fire situation, a flame from the lower cylinder would impinge directly onto the base of the one above. This would not be the case if the were stacked on the shoulders.

Is this no longer the advice given? Or is my memory playing tricks on me? (it wouldn't be the 1st time!!!)
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#6 Posted : 01 October 2009 11:56:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter Zunda
Depends on the cylinder design, many cannot be stacked on the shoulders of the lower cylinder to form a 'pyramid' stack, nor would it be feasible in the (small scale) storage cages - also noting that CoP 7 replaced CS4 & CS8 and the HSE was involved during formulation and review.

If there was a major incident, it wouldn't really matter how they were stacked!
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#7 Posted : 01 October 2009 12:51:00(UTC)
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Posted By Messy Shaw
Thanks for that Peter

In the incident in question, the method of storage was a significant factor in the development of the fire. Not only had the depot been refused planning - but been built anyway - but much of the HSE specific LPG storage safety guidance was ignored.

The result - 50+ properties damaged, 2 firefighters injured by explosions and a significant H&S fine for the Company involved

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#8 Posted : 01 October 2009 14:17:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter Zunda
Often the problem with unauthorised storage, whereas a 'responsible' supplier would send someone like me round to plan the facility and audit compliance, makes me wonder what's happened since I became 'surplus to requirements!"
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