Storage of oxygen and acetylene cylinders for construction vs. general industry.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 10, 2006

Mr. Bill Trammell
Artesian Safety
921 Division St.
Cresco, IA 52136

Dear Mr. Trammell:

General industry and construction standards regarding "in use" or "ready to use" and "storage" of compressed gas and oxygen cylinders for welding; §1910.253(b)(2)-1910.253(b)(4) and §1926.350(a)(10).

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 8, 2006

Mr. Kenneth J. Yotz
Senior Vice President
Environmental, Management and Training Systems, Inc.
919 St. Andrews Circle
Geneva, IL 60134-2995

Dear Mr. Yotz:

Use of the "Regulator Umbrella" for "in use" or "connected for use" conditions for portable compressed gas cylinders.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 12, 2006

Mr. William H. Guess
United Metal Works
217 Pickering St.
Portland, CT 06480

Dear Mr. Guess:

Whether empty compressed gas cylinders may be laid horizontally when stored.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 30, 2010

Letter # 20080123-8195

Whether empty compressed gas cylinders may be laid horizontally when stored.

Question (1): Does 29 CFR 1926.350(a)(9) prohibit laying empty compressed gas cylinders horizontally on the ground?

Answer (1): Title 29 CFR 1926.350(a)(9) requires employers to store all compressed gas cylinders (including empty ones) upright at all times.  This paragraph provides:

Storage of compressed gas cylinders used in construction work.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 21, 2012

Bill Howell
FAX:  610-744-2855

Dear Mr. Howell:

Thank you for your January 10, 2011 fax to OSHA's Directorate of Construction.  We apologize for the delay in our reply.  Your fax raises a specific question regarding OSHA's standard for storing compressed gas cylinders used in construction work.

Question: Does 29 CFR § 1926.350(a)(9) permit compressed gas cylinders to be stored horizontally in commercial cylinder holders designed for horizontal storage?