TECHNICAL INFORMATION SHEET 15

Revision 1: 2015
MODEL RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE
STORAGE AND USE OF
GAS CYLINDERS FOR OXY-FUEL APPLICATIONS

Copyright © 2015 by the British Compressed Gases Association. First

printed 2008. All rights reserved. This publication may be freely
produced, except for advertising, endorsement or commercial purposes.
The information it contains is current at November 2015. Please
acknowledge the source as the British Compressed Gases Association.

BRITISH COMPRESSED GASES ASSOCIATION

4a Mallard Way
Pride Park
Derby
DE24 8GX

Company Number: 71798, England

www.bcga.co.uk

ISSN 0260 - 4809

 BRITISH COMPRESSED GASES ASSOCIATION

MODEL RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE

STORAGE AND USE OF
GAS CYLINDERS FOR OXY-FUEL APPLICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
Every day thousands of gas cylinders are used in the workplace or transported by road
without incident. However, if gas cylinders are involved in a fire the emergency services
have specific Hazmat guidance to follow, this can cause local disruption as the emergency
services set up a cordon around the incident scene and take the necessary action to
make the area safe.
Most of the reported incidents would not have happened if users:
- Fully understood the properties of the gases and the associated hazards
- Were properly trained on how to use oxy-fuel equipment
- Followed guidance on the safe transportaion, handling and storage of gas cylinders

Five separate model risk assessments have been produced in order to assist users with
managing the hazards associated with the following activities:
1 - Oxy-fuel cylinders / package outdoor storage.
2 - Oxy-fuel cylinders / package indoor storage.
3 - Oxy-fuel cylinders / package use.
4 - Oxy-fuel cylinders / package use at height.
5 - Oxy-fuel cylinders / package, transportation.
For instructions on how to use the model risk assessments refer to " How to carry out the
assessment" page.

NOTE: The oxy-fuel package referred to in this document typically consists of an oxygen
cylinder, a fuel gas cylinder, for example acetylene, gas regulators for both gases,
flashback arrestors fitted to both regulator outlets, oxy-fuel hose assembly fitted with
check valves / non-return valves (NRV) at the gas torch or blowpipe end, gas torch or
blowpipe and cylinder trolley.

This document has been prepared by BCGA Technical Sub-Committee 6. This document
replaces BCGA TIS 15: 2008. It was approved for publication at BCGA Technical
Committee 153. This document was first published on 18/11/2015. For comments on this
document contact the Association via the website www.bcga.co.uk

Where this document is downloaded as an Excel Spreadsheet the user has the option of
amending the contents and, as such, it is beyond the direct control of the BCGA. In this
situation the user takes full responsibility for the contents of the document.

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1 (i)

 HOW DO YOU RATE RISK?
Risk is a combination of the likelihood of an incident occurring and the severity of the injury or loss due to the incident.
The Likelihood versus Severity Matrix below provides an example of risk rating.

NOTE: Companies may use variations on these Likelihood / Severity criteria.

Likelihood / Severity Matrix

Risk Rating

High
Medium High Severe
LIKELIHOOD
Medium

Low Medium High

Low

Insignificant Low Medium

Low Medium High

SEVERITY (LOSS)
Likelihood: Based on the precautions/controls in place to prevent an incident occurring.
Where no precautions are put in place and the employee can only avoid an incident by following verbally communicated
High:
procedures - which typically are only short term. No physical barriers or controls in place.
Limited physical barriers or controls in place. The employee can only avoid an incident by working carefully, following
Medium:
training, work instructions and safety procedures.
Physical barriers or engineering controls such as Flashback Arrestors and Non Return Valves in place to minimise the
Low:
likelihood of an incident.

Severity: The degree of injury to the employee or third party, or the cost of loss due to property damage.

Personal Injury
High: Death or disabling injury.
Medium: Serious injuries requiring medical treatment and time off from work.
Low: Minor injuries.

Business Size
Loss Large Small
High: Where the cost of the incident would exceed: £100,000 £20,000
Medium: Where the cost of the incident is between: £10,000 & £100,000 £2000 & £20,000
Low: Where the cost of the incident could reasonably be expected to be less than: £10,000 £2,000

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1 (ii)

 HOW TO CARRY OUT THE ASSESSMENT
The risk assessment should be carried out by persons who have been trained in the use
of oxy-fuel gas equipment and understand the concept of risk assessment.

1 Select the Risk Assessment form for the activity to be risk assessed.
2 Enter details in required fields at the top of the Risk Assessment form.
For each Situation / Activity record the existing control measures in place beside
3
each of the applicable recommended control measures.
Based on a comparison of the existing control measures in place against the
suggested control measures stated carry out risk rating for each situation / activity
4
by entering a rating of Low, Medium or High for both the Severity and the
Likelihood.
Using the Risk Rating Matrix determine the level of risk and enter the result in the
Risk Rating column.
5 Examples:
1. If Likelihood is Low, and Severity is Medium, Risk rating is Low.
2. If Likelihood is High, and Severity is Medium, Risk rating is High.
Decide the result for level of control and enter it onto the Risk Assessment form in
the appropriate column (Result).

There is a link between the Risk Rating and the Result as follows:
Risk Rating = Insignificant (IR), Result is likely to be Adequately Controlled.
6 Risk Rating = Low Risk (LR), Result is likely to be Adequately Controlled or Minor
Residual Risk.
Risk Rating = Medium Risk (MR), Result is likely to be Minor Residual Risk or Not
Adequately Controlled.
Risk Rating = High Risk (HR) or Severe Risk (SR), Result is likely to be Not
Adequately Controlled.
If the result is "Not Adequately Controlled" decide what action is required to
7 reduce the risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) and record the same
in the Remedial Action column.
Do not continue with the activity until risk is reduced to as low as reasonably
8
practicable (ALARP).

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1 (iii)

 REFERENCES

1) SI 2002 No. 2677 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
(COSHH)
2) SI 2002 No. 2776 The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations
2002 (DSEAR)
3) SI 2009 No. 1348 The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Presure
Equipment Reglations 2009 (as amended)
4) SI 2014 No. 1639 The Acetylene (England, Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2014
5) ECE/TRANS/242 European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of
Dangerous Goods by Road
6) BS EN 560 Gas welding equipment. Hose connections for equipment for welding,
cutting and allied processes.
7) BS EN 1256 Gas welding equipment. Specification for hose assemblies for
equipment for welding, cutting and allied processes.
8) BS EN ISO 3821 Gas welding equipment. Rubber hoses for welding, cutting and allied
processes.
9) BCGA Code of The safe use of oxy-fuel gas equipment (individual portable or mobile
Practice 7 cylinder supply).
10) BCGA Code of The safe storage and use of cylinders in mobile workshops and service
Practice 31 vehicles.
11) BCGA Guidance Guidance for the storage of gas cylinders in the workplace.
Note 2
12) BCGA Guidance Safe cylinder handling and the application of the manual handling
Note 3 operations regulations to gas cylinders.
13) BCGA Guidance Guidance for the carriage of gas cylinders on vehicles.
Note 27
14) BCGA Technical Gas equipment inspection/replacement date marking.
Information Sheet
18
15) BCGA Technical Welding Fumes. Safety Alert.
Information Sheet
24
16) BCGA Technical Model risk assessment for the transport of gas cylinders.
Information Sheet
26

Further information is available at:

www.legislation.gov.uk UK Legislation
www.hse.gov.uk Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
www.bsigroup.co.uk British Standards Institute (BSI)
www.bcga.co.uk British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA)
www.uklpg.org The UK Trade Association for LPG

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1 (iv)

 Print Date 16/11/2015

Model risk assessment for the outdoor storage of oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders
Assessment Date Assessed by

Location Reviewed by

Workplace /Premises Description Review Date

Likelihood Severity Risk *Result

No. Situation / Activity Hazard Persons Affected Recommended Control Measures Existing Control Measures Remedial Action Plan
L-M-H L-M-H Rating M-A-N

1.1 In an external location

Injury to persons or Cylinders should be stored in a secure lockable

damage to property if enclosure that prevents access to unauthorised
cylinders are accessed / persons. Enclosure should be designed and
handled incorrectly by 1.2 constructed from appropriate, robust, materials
unathorised persons. suitable for the location and posible risks e.g.
Persons or property
palisade to prevent theft or access by
Store design. within the cylinder
1 unauthorised persons (such as children).
Refer: BCGA GN2 storage area or in the
surrounding area.
1.3 Good ventilation with natural circulation of air.
External fire or heat
impacting on cylinders in No sources of ignition, or materials which will
storage could cause 1.4
allow a fire to spread.
catastrophic failure of the
cylinders due to Display safety signs and warning notices at
overheating. 1.5 access points to the cylinder storage area
Refer: HSE L64.
The store is designated and used only for the
2.1
storage of gas cylinders.
Close gas cylinder valve. Remove the cylinder
Injury to persons or 2.2
key from the valve.
damage to property if
cylinders are accessed / Cylinders must be stored in the upright position
handled incorrectly by on a firm level surface. Cylinders are to be kept
2.3
unathorised persons. upright, and secured, for example, by the use of
straps or chains.
Comply with minimum recommended safety
Storage of oxygen & distances. Store cylinders containing flammable
Persons or property 2.4 gases at least 3 metres away from flammable /
fuel-gas cylinders in
within the cylinder combustible materials e.g. wood, flammable
2 outdoor storage
storage area or in the liquids, paper etc.
area. .
surrounding area.
Refer: BCGA GN2 External fire or heat As necessary, segregate different hazard
impacting on cylinders in classes, full and empty cylinders, and ensure
storage could cause 2.5 adequate internal signage identifying the
catastrophic failure of the products being stored.
cylinders due to Refer: HSE L64.
overheating. Carry out routine management checks to ensure
2.6 the cylinders in the store remain in a safe
condition.
Carry out routine management checks to ensure
2.7 the store remains safe for the storage of gas
cylinders.
Close gas cylinder valves. Remove the cylinder
3.1
key from each valve.
3.2 Vent the torch, hoses and pressure regulator.

Storage of oxygen Back-off the pressure adjusting screw on

The impact of external fire 3.3
and fuel-gas regulators.
or heat could cause Persons or equipment
package in an
3 catastrophic failure of the working in the vicinity Roll up gas hoses then store hoses and torch on
outdoor storage 3.4
cylinders due to of the package. the appropriate stowage point on the package.
area.
overheating.
Refer: BCGA GN2 Store the package in a secure location away
from flammable / combustible materials such as
3.5 flammable liquids, wood, paper, textiles,
packaging or plastics and sources of ignition e.g.
naked flames etc.

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1

 Print Date 16/11/2015

Model risk assessment for the outdoor storage of oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders
Assessment Date Assessed by

Location Reviewed by

Workplace /Premises Description Review Date

Likelihood Severity Risk *Result

No. Situation / Activity Hazard Persons Affected Recommended Control Measures Existing Control Measures Remedial Action Plan
L-M-H L-M-H Rating M-A-N

Close cylinder valves on empty cylinders and

4.1
return the cylinders to designated storage area.
Injury to persons or
damage to property if Cylinders should never be considered to be
cylinders are accessed / completely empty as they will always contain
handled 4.2 residual gas. Hence the safety precautions
Cylinder fireincorrectly by
due to ignition
unathorised persons. Persons or property in applied to full cylinders should continue to be
Empty cylinder of residual gas or Persons
4 the vicinity or
of property
the gas applied to empty cylinders.
abuse / waste
Store design. hydrocarbon within the cylinder
1 cylinders.
Refer: BCGA GN2 contamination. storage area or in the Any cylinders that are damaged are to be
4.3
surrounding area. identified as such, and the gas supplier informed.

Always return empty cylinders to the gas

4.4 supplier, or agent, as soon as is reasonably
practicable.
All persons required to handle gas cylinders or
5.1 packages are to have had adequate training in
manual handling.
Cylinders are heavy and need to be handled with
care. If you are moving large cylinders use
Manual handling injury or 5.2
Manual handling of Persons or equipment suitable mechanical aids, such as a trolley, or
damage to property if
5 gas cylinders in close proximity to the seek help.
cylinders are handled
Refer: BCGA GN3 cylinders. Do not drop gas cylinders and never try to catch
incorrectly. 5.3
a falling cylinder.
Cylinders should not be left freestanding. They
should be secured in a suitable cylinder trolley,
5.4
cylinder support bracket or placed in a cylinder
pen.

Users shall maintain an inventory of gas

cylinders stored on site (location and quantity).
6.1 This information may be requested by the
Injury to Fire and Rescue emergency services in the event of an incident.
Service personnel due a Fire and Rescue Refer: HSE L64
Maintain an inventory
6 lack of knowledge of what Service personnel in
of gas cylinders Have a Safety Data Sheet available for each gas
gas cylinders are present the fire zone. 6.2 product stored.
in the fire zone.
Carry out routine management checks to ensure
6.3 the inventory remains up-to-date and that the
store remains safe for continued use.

Key to Result: M = Minor Residual Risk (monitor) A = Adequately Controlled N = Not adequately Controlled (stop work and improve controls)

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1

 Model risk assessment for the indoor storage of an oxygen and fuel-gas package
Assessment Date Assessed by

Location Reviewed by

Workplace /Premises Description Review Date

Likelihood Severity Risk *Result

No. Situation / Activity Hazard Persons Affected Recommended Control Measures Existing Control Measures Residual Action Plan
L-M-H L-M-H Rating M-A-N
A store in an external location should always be
the first option for storing gas cylinders. Where
1.1 this is not possible a documented justification
process shall be undertaken to justify indoor
storage.
Ensure the premises insurers are notified that
1.2 gas cylinders are being stored and adequate
cover is provided.
Internal store design shall meet the requirements
1.3
of BCGA GN 2.
Injury to persons or
damage to property if Carry out a risk assessment to confirm the
Persons or property in 1.4 suitability of the store and any control measures
Store design. cylinders or package is
1 the vicinity of the necessary.
Refer: BCGA GN 2 accessed / handled
cylinders / package. Carry out a DSEAR risk assessment. As
incorrectly by unathorised
persons. 1.5 appropriate, protected electrical fittings are to be
installed.
1.6 Adequate ventilation required.

1.7 Gas detection may be required.

Cylinders / package should be stored in a secure

1.8 area with access limited to trained and
authorised persons.
Display safety signs and warning notices.
1.9
Refer: BCGA GN 2 & HSE L64.
Only those cylinders in-use may be stored
2.1 indoors. Spare gas cylinders should be stored in
Injury to persons or an external store.
damage to property if Close gas cylinder valves. Remove the cylinder
package is accessed / 2.2
key from each valve.
handled incorrectly by
2.3 Vent the torch, hoses and pressure regulator.
unathorised persons.
Back-off the pressure adjusting screw on
Storage of oxygen Persons or property in 2.4
regulators.
2 and fuel-gas the vicinity of the
package indoors. package. Roll up gas hoses then store hoses and torch on
2.5
External fire or heat the appropriate stowage point on the package.
impacting on the package
could cause catastrophic Store the package away from flammable /
failure of the cylinders due combustible materials such as flammable liquids,
to overheating. 2.6 wood, paper, textiles, packaging or plastics and
sources of ignition e.g. naked flames etc. Refer:
BCGA GN2

Key to Result: M = Minor Residual Risk (monitor) A = Adequately Controlled N = Not adequately Controlled (stop work and improve controls)

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1

 Model risk assessment for the use of oxygen and fuel-gas packages
Assessment Date Assessed by

Location Reviewed by

Workplace /Premises Description Review Date

Likelihood Severity Risk *Result

No. Situation / Activity Hazard Persons Affected Recommended Control Measures Existing Control Measures Residual Action Plan
L-M-H L-M-H Rating M-A-N
No one should use oxy/fuel gas equipment
unless they have received adequate training.
For example in:- Properties of the gases; The
1.1 safe use of the equipment; Precautions to be
taken; The use of fire extinguishers; The means
of escape, raising the fire alarm and calling the
Emergency Services.
Fire resulting from the Understand the hazards and safety precautions
incorrect use of the 1.2 required for each gas. Read the Safety Data
package e.g. regulator Sheet. Carry out a COSHH assessment.
pressures set wrongly,
incorrect torch light up / As flammable and oxidant gases are in use, a
shutdown procedure used 1.3
DSEAR risk assessment is required.
causing a back fire or
After undertaking a risk assessment, the correct
flashback.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be
selected to match the process typically the
1.4
Incorrect use of an following are needed - welding gloves, leather
Persons or property in apron, suitable coverall and foot protection, eye
oxygen and fuel-gas
1 the vicinity of the and head protection.
package.
package.
Refer: BCGA CP 7 Protect against the hazard of welding fume. Use
1.5 appropriate Local Exhaust Ventilation. Refer:
BCGA TIS 24
Consider the long term health benefits of a
1.6 pneumonia vaccination for employees regularly
exposed to welding and metal fume.
Procedures for the safe use of the equipment
should be readily available for users. Carry out
Contact with hot work, routine inspection of all gas equipment including
welding flame or splatter. 1.7
an annual inspection, conducted by a competent
Visual deteriation. Long person. Ensure components with an expiry life
term damage to health are in-date for use.
from welding fume.
Carry out pre-use equipment checks on the
1.8 oxygen and fuel-gas package.
Refer: HSE HS(G) 139
NEVER use oxygen for dusting down work
1.9
benches, machinery or clothing.
Only use equipment manufactured to the
2.1 appropriate standard(s), supplied by a reputable
equipment supplier.

Fire resulting from the use Check equipment is within its accepted life.
2.2
Use of faulty or of faulty or incorrect Persons or property in Refer: BCGA TIS 18
2 incorrect gas equipment (regulator, the vicinity of the Use only equipment which is compatible with the
equipment. flashback arrestors, torch, package. 2.3
gas service.
hoses, etc.)
Once a component has been used in one gas
2.4
service, do not use in another gas service.
Replace damaged or defective equipment before
2.5
use.

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1

 Clear the immediate work area of any flammable
If the package is used materials and or put in place suitable fire screens
3.1
close to flammable liquids or blankets to prevent contact between sparks
Accidental ignition of or solids these can be and flammables.
Persons or property in
flammable materials ignited by sparks from the If working close to compartment walls where
3 the vicinity of the
during metal cutting gas cutting or welding 3.2 heat may be a hazard on the opposite side, post
package.
or welding. activity. The package a look-out to monitor for fire.
could also be impacted by
If the package is to be used in a non-routine
the resulting fire.
3.3 work area then a safe system of work is
required, e.g. Permit to Work.
Position gas hoses out of the line of fire from the
4.1
flame or metal sputter.
Where hoses are attached together use
4.2 proprietry clips. Do not tape hoses together (this
can impair visual inspection).

Only use hoses of an appropriate length. Keep

4.3 as short as practical. As necessary keep the gas
Fuel gas release could cylinders close to the work area.
Hose damage during cause a fire if ignited and
Persons or property in Extended hoses are only to be used where it is
metal cutting / the fire could impact on
4 the vicinity of the unavoidable. Where joints are used they are to
welding or hose the gas cylinders or the 4.4
package. comply with BS EN 560. NOTE: Extended
leaking due to aging. gas cylinders are
hoses may affect the gas flow rate.
depressurised.
4.5 Hoses are to be fully uncoiled during use.

Hoses shall be manufactured to BS EN ISO

3821 and correctly coloured for the gas service
4.6
i.e. blue for oxygen and red for acetylene. The
hose assembly should be to BS EN 1256.

Never hang up the welding or cutting torch whilst

4.7
still alight.

Residual hot spot or Carry out work site inspection after completion of
smouldering fire after Localised fire escalating to Persons or property in hot work to ensure there are no residual hot
5 5.1
metal cutting or a major fire. the vicinity of the fire. spots or smouldering fires that could escalate to
welding. a large fire.
Flash Back Arrestors shall be fitted to the outlet
6.1 of both the oxygen and the fuel-gas pressure
regulators. Refer: BCGA CP 7
Flash Back Arrestors shall comply with BS EN
6.2
730.
With extended hoses a Flash Back Arrestor
6.3
should be fitted at the torch end.
Replace disposable Flash Back Arrestors after a
6.4
flashback or backfire.
The use of Flash Flash Back Arrestor's of the resetable type
Fire caused by the use of
Back Arrestors. Persons or property in 6.5 should be reset as per the manufacturers
a package which has not
6 NOTE: Mandatory the vicinity of the instructions.
had flash back arrestors
under the Acetylene package.
fitted. Resetable Flash Back Arrestors shall be
Safety Regulations.
6.6 replaced after 5 years or at the manufacturers
recommended intervals.

The causes for a flashback or backfire shall be

investigated to identify any damaged or faults to
6.7
the equipment (particularly the nozzle) before
trying to reuse the oxygen and fuel-gas package.

Regular occurrences of flashbacks or backfires

6.8 are indications of poor welding practice and the
need for retraining.

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1

 Hose check valves / Persons or property in
Fire affecting the package Non Return Valves should be fitted on the hose
7 Non Return Valves the vicinity of the 7.1
and the surrounding area. end connecting to the blowpipe or torch.
(NRV) package.

Use the correct pressures and nozzle size for the

8.1 job. In particular for acetylene the pressure shall
not exceed 1.5 bar.

Ensure regulators are matched with their gas

service; An acetylene regulator shall only be
used in acetylene service; An oxygen regulator
8.2
only used in oxygen service; A propane
regulator used only in propane service. All
regulators to be labelled accordingly.

Regulators should be replaced every 5 years or

8.3 at the manufacturers recommendation. Refer:
Persons or property in BCGA CP7
Fire affecting the package
8 Pressure Regulators the vicinity of the
and the surrounding area. Regulators with damaged gauges or connectors
package.
8.4 shall not be used and should be replaced.
Refer: BCGA CP7
Never attempt to force a regulator connection
8.5 onto the cylinder (fuel-gases have left hand
threads, oxygen has a right hand thread).
Use clean hands or gloves when assembling
oxygen equipment e.g. attaching a regulator to a
8.6 new cylinder or attaching the hoses to the
blowpipe or torch. DO NOT USE OIL OR
GREASE during assembly.
Always back off the regulator adjusting screw
8.7
when not in use.

Persons or property in
Oxygen and Fire affecting the package Never attempt to lubricate or use thread sealing
9 the vicinity of the 9.1
hydrocarbon reaction and the surrounding area. tape on gas sealing surfaces.
package.

Close cylinder valves on empty cylinders and

10.1
return the cylinders to designated storage area.

Cylinders should never be considered to be

completely empty as they will always contain
10.2 residual gas. Hence the safety precautions
Cylinder fire due to ignition
Persons or property in applied to full cylinders should continue to be
Empty Cylinder of residual gas or
10 the vicinity of the gas applied to empty cylinders.
abuse / waste hydrocarbon
cylinders.
contamination. Any cylinders that are damaged are to be
10.3 identified as such, and the gas supplier
informed.
Empty cylinders should be stored in a secure
area prior to returning to gas supplier. Always
10.4
return empty cylinders to the gas supplier, or
agent, as soon as is reasonably practicable.

Key to Result: M = Minor Residual Risk (monitor) A = Adequately Controlled N = Not adequately Controlled (stop work and improve controls)

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1

 Model risk assessment for the use of oxygen and fuel-gas packages at height
Assessment Date Assessed by

Location Reviewed by

Workplace /Premises Description Review Date

Likelihood Severity Risk *Result

No. Situation / Activity Hazard Persons Affected Recommended Control Measures Existing Control Measures Residual Action Plan
L-M-H L-M-H Rating M-A-N

If cylinders are dropped Lifting of the package for working at height

from height the valve should be avoided, e.g. by use of extended
could shear off on impact hoses or temporary piped supply. Where this
1.1
with the ground and gases can not be avoided cylinders should be lifted in a
released and fuel gas proprietary lifting cage or trolley. The cylinder
Lifting the package ignited. Persons or property should not be lifted by it's valve or valve guard.
or cylinders for use below or in the vicinity
1
at height on a of the dropped Where practical, use smaller (suitable for manual
construction site. cylinders. 1.2
handling) cylinders.

Injury to persons below. Conditions on the ground below the lift should be
taken into consideration before attempting to lift
1.3
the package e.g. traffic movements or
pedestrians.

Clear the immediate work area of any flammable

materials and/or put in place suitable fire screens
2.1
or blankets to prevent contact between sparks
and flammables.
The package should only be used at height for
2.2 the duration of the job, then returned to ground
level after use.

Check that the platform on which the gas

equipment and the welder have to operate is
The package is used close 2.3 capable of taking their combined weight, and/or
to flammable liquids or any side forces associated with the use of
solids which are then Persons or property in extended hoses.
Use of an oxygen
ignited by sparks from the the vicinity of the
2 and fuel-gas At height, there may be additional hazards, such
gas cutting or welding package and on the
package at height. as working in a confined space and the
activity. The package ground below.
2.4 availability of adequate ventilation. If a confined
could also be impacted by
space carry out a confined space risk
the resulting fire.
assessment.
The extent of the spread of sparks and metal
spatter needs to be considered as it may have
an impact at lower levels e.g. sparks or spatter
2.5
falling through a mezzanine platform onto a
lower level and igniting a flammable material or
harming passers by.

If the package is to be used in non-routine work

2.6
area then a safe system of work is required.

Key to Result: M = Minor Residual Risk (monitor) A = Adequately Controlled N = Not adequately Controlled (stop work and improve controls)

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1

 Model risk assessment for the transport of oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders in vehicles
Assessment Date Assessed by

Location Reviewed by

Workplace /Premises Description Review Date

Likelihood Severity Risk *Result

No. Situation / Activity Hazard Persons Affected Recommended Control Measures Existing Control Measures Residual Action Plan
L-M-H L-M-H Rating M-A-N
Gas cylinders are classified as Dangerous Goods and are therefore covered by the UK Carriage of Dangerous Goods
and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (these implement the European Agreement concerning the
International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road,(ADR)). However, the these regulations apply to the transport of
cylinders using commercial vehicles and NOT the carriage of cylinders in private vehicles. The transport of any gas
cylinder in an enclosed vehicle is potentially dangerous, hence the use of an open vehicle or trailer is highly
recommended. Refer: BCGA GN 27 & TIS 26. The following precautions need to be taken:
Fire and or explosion if the
vehicle is involved in a fire The driver has adequate training about the
and the package is properties and hazard of the gases being
1.1
engulfed in the flames or transported and knows what to do in an
heated to very high emergency situation.
temperature. The quantity of gas cylinders being carried has
been calculated as being below or above the
1.2 threshold level. The appropriate level of
compliance with ADR is applied. The correct
paperwork for the journey is available.
The number of cylinders to be transported is
1.3
limited to the strict minimum.
Ensure that cylinder valves are closed and not
1.4 leaking. Never transport a cylinder if a leak has
been detected on it.
Avoid transporting gas cylinders in the passenger
1.5
compartment.
Transportation of an Vehicle driver, Cylinders must be adequately secured against
oxygen and fuel-gas Moving load due to vehicle passengers, passers- movement and should be in an upright position
package in a closed 1.6
collision could seriously by, emergency during transport. Consider the forces involved in
1
vehicle (service vans injure driver, passengers services or property in a traffic accident.
not included). or occupants of other the vicinity of the
Refer: BCGA GN 27 vehicle. A minimum of a 2 kg fire extinguisher is required
vehicles involved.
1.7 on the vehicle. It is serviceable and the driver
has been trained in its correct operation.

Ensure the space occupied by the cylinders is

well ventilated. Vehicle air conditioning should
1.8
be set to circulate air from outside of the vehicle.
Open windows.
Never transport gas cylinders with regulators or
1.9
other equipment attached.
It is always good practice to apply signage to
1.1O inform the emergency services that gas cylinders
are being carried on board.
Gas cylinders may be
ejected from the vehicle. The journey should be kept as short as possible
Hazard from flying objects 1.11 and cylinders should be removed from the
and a potential release of vehicle soon after arrival at the destination.
gas away from the vehicle.
Hazard to members of the Do not leave cylinders stored in vehicles,
public. however if the cylinders have to be left in a
1.12
vehicle for short periods then ensure the vehicle
is in a secure / safe parking area and locked.
For acetylene cylinders, if transported
1.13 horizontally, stand upright for a minimum of 30
minutes before use.

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1

 Cylinders must be properly secured in a suitable
2.1
stowage and stored in an upright position.

Fire and or explosion if the As necessary, vehicle should be marked and

vehicle is involved in a fire 2.2
labelled to comply with ADR.
and the package is
engulfed in the flames or The vehicle should be equipped with suitably
heated to very high sized ventilation openings. The use of roof
2.3
temperature. ventilators along with side vents is
recommended.
Service vans Gas cylinders should be carried in a separate
Van driver, 2.4
equipped with an gas tight and ventilated compartment.
passengers, persons
2 oxygen and fuel-gas
or property in the
package. A minimum of 2 kg fire extinguisher is required
vicinity of the vehicle.
Refer: BCGA CP 31 2.5 on the vehicle. It is serviceable and the driver
has been trained in its correct operation.
Moving load due to vehicle
collision could seriously Gas cylinder valves shall be closed whilst in
injure driver, passengers 2.6 transit and equipment disconnected from the
or members of the public. cylinder.
Gas cylinders may be The driver should be trained in: Potential hazards
ejected from the vehicle. and dangers of oxygen and fuel-gases, safe
2.7 handling and secure storage of gas cylinders,
emergency procedures and the use of the fire
extinguisher.

Key to Result: M = Minor Residual Risk (monitor) A = Adequately Controlled N = Not adequately Controlled (stop work and improve controls)

BCGA TIS 15 - Revision 1