Safety of Compressed Gas Cylinders on Portable Carts

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.

November 18, 2021

Mr. Thomas Van Hooser
131 NW 10th Ct.
Boca Raton, Florida 33486

Dear Mr. Van Hooser:

Thank you for your letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the use, handling and storage of acetylene cylinders in general industry and construction. This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation only of the requirements herein, and may not be applicable to any questions not delineated in your original correspondence.

29 CFR 1926.350(a)(9) Securing of Compressed Gas Cylinders

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OSHA Instruction STD 3-8.2 March 11, 1981 Office of Compliance Programming

SUBJECT: 29 CFR 1926.350(a)(9) Securing of Compressed Gas Cylinders

A. Purpose. This instruction emphasizes that the OSHA standard, 29 CFR 1926.350(a)(9), applies to transporting, moving and storing compressed gas cylinders at construction sites only.

B. Scope. This instruction applies OSHA-wide.

29 CFR 1926.350(a)(7), securing compressed gas cylinders - rational for and hazards addressed by the requirement.

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.

January 19, 2005

Mr. Richard Johnston
Hausmann Johnson Insurance, Inc.
700 Regent Street
P.O. Box 259408
Madison, WI 53725-9408

Re: 29 CFR 1926.350(a)(7); securing compressed gas cylinders.

Dear Mr. Johnston:

This is in response to your letter dated October 18, 2004, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You asked for our opinion on the rationale for and hazard addressed by the construction standards for securing compressed gas cylinders.

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?

Regarding use of compressed gas cylinders while in a horizontal position

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.

August 23, 2013

Adam S. Torres
1804 S. Jackson Street
Kaufman, TX 75142-3450

Dear Mr. Torres: