Dear Subin,
Indian standards: please refer the standards transportation guidelines should be available in
- The Explosives act, Gas Cylinder Rules 1981
- THE LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (REGULATION OF USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES) ORDER, 20011
- GAS CYLINDERS RULES, 2004
Yes its the law in our country:
Please go through the below points may you will able take your own decision whether its the right way to carry cylinders in flatbed truck or not??
What type of vehicle should be used for carriage of gas cylinders?
The vehicle used for carriage must be properly designed, of adequate strength, good construction and properly maintained, thus 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 transport of gas cylinders should be designed to prevent a build-up of hazardous atmosphere (flammable, toxic, oxidising or asphyxiant) in the event of cylinder leakage. This can be achieved by 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
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 whilst in transit and any connected equipment depressurised.
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 information helps. . .
Keep on touch. . .