Can someone please help recently an HSE Inspection was carried out on one of our sites, the Inspector recommended that we store the Acetylene Cylinder separately from other Gases.
However on reading the HSE Guidance note HSG136 Section 55 it states
Acetylene cylinders may be stored outdoors with LPG unless the total quantity of LPG exceeds 50 kg, when separation by a minimum of 3 m or a fire wall is recommended. The quantity we have on site is far below the 50kg.
Furthermore the BCGA GN 2 Table 2 states that a 3m separation distance is required between Acetylene and Bulk Storage of Flammable Gases however below 50kg no specific separation is defined.
4.1.1 Of BCGA GN2 also states that no separation distances are needed between individual cylinders.
Therefore can someone please clarify if the HSE Inspector was right to request this?

HSE 136 deals with workplace transport safety does it not?

Jon

We have banned all storage of oxy acetylene on our sites. PRIMARILY due to the 200m exclusion zone in the event of a fire incident. Maybe OTT but better safe than no business.

SBH

The Fire Service is likely to put a 200m exclusion zone around premises whatever the identity of the gas.