Gas storage at public events

Safe storage of gases in cylinders

Compressed gases in cylinders (pressure receptacles) can be stored and handled at events. Common compressed gases used at events include:

• Nitrogen
• Nitrous oxide
• Oxygen gas
• Liquified petroleum gas
• Oxy-acetylene

If compressed gases are not stored and handled safely they can:

• catch fire
• explode
• cause asphyxiation, by depletion of oxygen leading to death
• oxidise, which can cause other materials to combust

Safe storage and handling of compressed gases includes ensuring the cylinders are:

• restrained to prevent them from falling
• stored upright unless otherwise indicated
• stored in a dry, well-ventilated external location. This should be constructed of non-combustible material with firm level floor, that is preferably made of concrete.
• stored away from areas of heavy traffic and emergency exits
• protected from impact
• prevented from being exposed to artificial heat sources
• separated from incompatible dangerous goods

Safe storage and use of Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a Class 2.2 dangerous good. Nitrogen gas can be used at motor sport events for the inflation of vehicle tyres to improve race performance. It is a colourless, odourless, inert, non-reactive, and non-toxic gas that does not support combustion.

In high concentrations nitrogen gas can displace oxygen in a small area, such as a small workshop and cause asphyxiation. Cylinders of nitrogen may also explode if heated.

Nitrogen cylinders should be stored:

• below 45°C
• in a secure area, and
• upright and restrained to prevent cylinders from falling

The secure area should be:

• dry
• well-ventilated
• constructed of non-combustible material with a firm, level floor, and
• located away from areas of heavy traffic and emergency exits

Occupiers should consider the use of a cylinder storage cage.

Safe storage and use of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide is a Class 2.2 dangerous good with a subsidiary risk of Class 5.1. It can be used at motor sport events to boost the power output of engines.

Nitrous Oxide at room temperature is non-flammable. However, at elevated temperatures it becomes an oxidiser and therefore may react violently with combustible materials.

Nitrous Oxide storage areas should maintain good housekeeping practices. This includes:

• keeping walkways clear
• removing unnecessary items, and
• providing sufficient storage space

The nitrous oxide storage and handling areas must be free from oil and grease and combustible material such as oily rags, so far as is reasonably practicable.

At motor sport events, the governing racing organisation may have regulations regarding supercharging with Nitrous Oxide.

Safe storage and use of Oxygen Gas

Oxygen is a Class 2.2 dangerous good, with a subsidiary risk of Class 5.1. Cylinders of compressed Oxygen gas may be used by pilots of hydrofoil boats or first aiders in emergency situations. It is a colourless odourless gas that will support combustion. It is incompatible with combustible materials such as oil and grease.

Good housekeeping practices need to be maintained to ensure equipment is free from oil and grease and combustible material such as oily rags are not left around oxygen gas stores.

Materials which burn in air, will burn more vigorously in oxygen enriched atmospheres. Do not store oxygen gas near sources of ignition or incompatible materials.

Safe storage and use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP Gas) is a flammable gas, Class 2 dangerous good. It is commonly used at events for catering and heating purposes.

LP Gas cylinders used at public events must:

• be inspected and tested with the test date marked on the cylinder. For example, a stamp on the cylinder
• be stored upright, restrained from falling and protected from impact
• be placed so that the safety relief device can vent to the vapour space. The relief vent should be directed away from appliances or combustible materials

LP Gas cylinders must not be decanted at public events.

The use of LP Gas cylinders indoors is not recommended. More information about the safe use and storage of LP Gas at public events is available on the Energy Safe Victoria website.

Safe storage and use of Oxy-Acetylene

Oxy-Acetylene is produced by mixing oxygen, a Class 2.2/5.1 dangerous good and acetylene, a class 2.1 dangerous good. These dangerous goods are incompatible for the purpose of storage.

Oxy-Acetylene may be used before and during events for construction or repair activities. If oxygen and acetylene are combined for welding, the cylinders must be disconnected and returned to the gas cylinder store as soon as the welding is finished. The cylinders cannot remain together on the work trolley.

Cylinders must:

• not be transported or stored in a closed vehicle or compartment
• be stored upright, be secured and stored at least 3 metres apart
• be compliant with AS 2030 General requirements for gas cylinders and checked before use

Using an Oxy Acetylene torch is considered hot work and should only be conducted where permitted. Hoses used for hot works need to be fitted with flash-back arrestors.

More information is available in:

Safe storage and use of dry ice

Dry ice or solid carbon dioxide is a Class 9 dangerous good. It is used at events such as motor sports events for cooling to improve performance, or in staging for visual effects.

Contact with the solid form of carbon dioxide can cause cold burns or frostbite. Solid dry ice should be handled with insulating gloves and safety glasses.

When solid dry ice warms it becomes carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide gas is colourless and virtually odourless. It is heavier than air and may accumulate in confined spaces, particularly at or below ground level. In high concentrations it may cause asphyxiation.

Dry ice receptacles should be stored in a dry well-ventilated area away from areas of heavy traffic, emergency exits and protected from impact.