Hi, I'm a recent joiner to IOSH and have found this forum to be of great use. My first post and hope the extensive knowledge on here can help: I have a query relating to the storage of Propane, Oxygen and Acetylene gas bottles. I am trying to find definitive legal guidance on their storage, such as distances from each of the bottles etc. We have an outdoors secured location but at present all the bottles are located together. I have found information stating a distance of 3 metres between them is required but would like to know if there is a definitive legal document stating they must be segregated to approach management with. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.

There is no outright law that states 3 metres. The Dangerous Substances Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) requires you to undertake a risk assessment and minimise risk, have emergency procedures etc but does not state the 3 metres. DSEAR regulations can be found here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l138.pdf Storage of dangerous substances, ACOP linked to DSEAR: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l135.pdf I think the 3 metres may be stated in the following guidance book and is just guidance: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg51.pdf

Thanks for the advise folks.

Try this to approach management with http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,290716,00.html http://www.weld-mesh.com...dJxIAZA#hse-requirements

The best place for information on this would be the British Compressed Gas Association or BCGA. They have a range of leaflets and publications (priced unfortunately) which give a definitive overview on best practice.