How to Store Oxygen Tanks

Oxygen tanks are needed by medical offices, hospitals and clinics for patients with various cardiovascular or respiratory ailments. You need to know to properly handle the oxygen tanks or cylinders to avoid accidents or fire hazards. Although oxygen tanks do not burn on their own, they are considered as a fire hazard when they get in contact with a heating source or any form of flammable substance. To keep everyone in the establishment safe, you must store the oxygen tanks safely and make sure that they are kept in the appropriate environment.

Instructions

• 1

  Find a cool place that is away from a heating source to use as a storage space for your oxygen tanks. A heating source can be anything close to a heater, fireplace, oven or even a huge, sunny window. Do not store the oxygen tanks in a small space that includes a heater.

• 2

  Keep the oxygen tanks in an upright and stable position. Oxygen tanks are generally heavy and can cause damage if they fall on any object or person.

• 3

  See to it that no one lights a flame or smokes near your storage area. Do this by placing a huge "no smoking" sign in its general vicinity or outside the storage room's door.

• 4

  Store the oxygen tanks in a well-ventilated area. See to it that the area is large enough to allow for cool air to surround your tanks. Small areas have limited airflow, which makes them prone to catching on fire should any of the oxygen vent out of the tanks.

• 5

  Do not store the oxygen tanks in a room where electrical items are being used. This is particularly important for spaces that also store hair dryers, electric razors and electric blankets. Avoid storing them in rooms with too much grease, oil or with any flammable liquid that may spill or be used near your oxygen tanks.