There are particular requirements for storing medical gas cylinders as well as requirements for bulk tank storage in healthcare settings; these regulatory requirements exist specifically for cylinders that are not in use. In use refers to cylinders being used by a patient, or attached to equipment and ready for immediate use, or located in patient rooms about to be used. Requirements vary depending on the total amount of cubic feet of gas needing to be stored, with the most stringent regulations for more than 3,000 cubic feet of gas, less stringent requirements for 300-3,000 cubic feet of gas, and the least stringent requirements for less than 300 cubic feet of gas. These requirements are in place to reduce the risk of accident and injury.
The purpose of this monograph is to summarize requirements for bulk tank storage and the storing of medical gas cylinders in healthcare settings to ensure patient and staff safety and minimize risks.
For storing medical gas cylinders, the authors cite general regulatory requirements, such as keeping oxidizing gases separate from flammable gases, keeping cylinders away from sources of heat (impacting the design of heating systems near those areas), separating empty and filled cylinders and labeling them as such, and having physical supports for the cylinders to avoid the risk of having them tip over. For less than 300 cubic feet of gas, wooden racks may be used for storage of cylinders, whereas storing more than 300 cubic feet of gas requires outdoor or indoor enclosures consisting of noncombustible (or limited-combustible) materials. Beyond 3,000 cubic feet of gas, there is a requirement that indoor locations have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating. Storage must be lockable, and outdoor storage areas must protect the cylinders from the elements (i.e., snow, ice, direct sunlight, rain) for anything more than 300 cubic feet of gas. For more than 3,000 cubic feet of gas, there are stringent requirements for electrical devices and service, with electrical power needing to be part of the essential electrical system. Heating of the storage area must occur through indirect means, and ventilation should be dedicated to that area and not connected to other ventilation systems in the building. Outdoor storage settings require walls or fencing that are noncombustible and lockable. In general, signage is an important design consideration for these storage areas, as the spaces or tanks must be labeled in a very specific manner to warn building occupants of the safety hazards within. Transfer of gases from one cylinder to another cannot occur in patient rooms, and therefore requires space elsewhere to do this type of work.