Cylinder Shifting by Trailer: What Problems Arise and Are There Any Standards?

Dear All Seniors,

Cylinder Shifting and Associated Problems

Kindly explain how cylinders shift here and there, and what problems occur during the shifting of gas cylinders by an open trailer. Are there any standards allowing for cylinders to shift by a trailer?

Please.

Thank you.

Regards,

Dear Subin,

Indian Standards for Transportation of Gas Cylinders

Please refer to the standards transportation guidelines available in the following:

- The Explosives Act, Gas Cylinder Rules 1981
- THE LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (REGULATION OF USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES) ORDER, 2001
- GAS CYLINDERS RULES, 2004

Yes, it's the law in our country. Please go through the points below. Maybe you will be able to make your own decision on whether it's the right way to carry cylinders in a flatbed truck or not.

What Type of Vehicle Should Be Used for the Carriage of Gas Cylinders?

The vehicle used for carriage must be properly designed, of adequate strength, good construction, and properly maintained, making it suitable for its purpose. All cylinders must be secured to prevent movement. The use of open vehicles is always recommended, but small quantities of cylinders can be carried in closed vehicles if proper precautions are taken.

Closed vehicles regularly used for the transport of gas cylinders should be designed to prevent a build-up of a hazardous atmosphere (flammable, toxic, oxidizing, or asphyxiant) in the event of cylinder leakage. This can be achieved by the provision of adequate high and low-level vents to encourage a free flow of air through the load compartment. Ideally, cylinders should be carried in a separate load compartment from the driver.

Carriage in a closed vehicle not having a purpose-built, separate ventilated load compartment should be undertaken with the vehicle windows open to provide improved ventilation. Toxic gas cylinders must not be carried in a closed vehicle unless specifically designed for the purpose. Gas cylinders should not be left on vehicles longer than is required to make the journey and should be removed as soon as possible once the destination is reached.

Safety Measures

1. Wear safety footwear, gloves, and eye protection when handling cylinders.
2. Do not remove or deface labels provided by the supplier for the identification of cylinder contents.
3. Do not drop cylinders or throw them into the vehicle.
4. Secure cylinders properly and ensure they do not project beyond the sides or ends of the vehicle.
5. Cylinder valves must be closed while in transit, and any connected equipment depressurized.
6. When carrying flammable gas (LPG, Hydrogen, Acetylene, etc.) or oxygen in cylinders, do not smoke or expose cylinders to sources of ignition.
7. Protect carbon dioxide cylinders from direct sunlight and all cylinders from heat.
8. LPG cylinders should be carried in the vertical position with valves uppermost.
9. If at any time a cylinder is suspected of leaking, park the vehicle in a safe place and contact the supplier for advice.
10. If you are involved in a road accident, advise the emergency services that cylinders are being carried, and show them any information relating to the products on the vehicle, e.g., Tremcard or Safety Data Sheets.
11. Return empty cylinders to the supplier as soon as possible.

Hope this information helps. Keep in touch.

Regards,

Guidelines for Shifting Cylinders Safely

There is no problem in shifting the cylinder in an open trailer until:

- It is properly loaded/unloaded with a mechanized arrangement.
- Properly wedged with wooden blocks.
- No cutting or welding job is done nearby.
- There is no leakage from the hose pipe or any accessories.

For better safety, the cylinder should be on the ground floor, properly chained to avoid falling, and away from cutting or welding activities. A movable trolley may be utilized for shifting the cylinder.

There are no issues when the gas cylinders are appropriately tied or secured. Please find attached herewith the video clip showing the consequence of an unsecured gas cylinder being hit by a vehicle.

Regards.

Dear Vijay,

Thanks for sharing. I have been looking for this type of video for a while. It will be very effective for training purposes. I uploaded a procedure on handling gas cylinders almost a year ago which you may refer to. Nevertheless, thank you for sharing the clip again.

Regards,
Sudhir

I have located the thread that was posted earlier. Please follow the link below. A good amount of data has been uploaded there.

Link: https://www.citehr.com/374850-compre...dling-sop.html

Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir