How to Transport Gas Cylinders Safely

Guidelines for Safely Transporting Cylinders
Try to limit the number of cylinders transported.
Ensure cylinder contents are clearly labeled.
Ensure cylinder valves are in the fully closed position.
Use valve protection caps before moving.
Pressure relief devices must be connected to the cylinder vapor space.
Use a cylinder dolly or other mechanical lifting device to move cylinders to a vehicle.
Never drop cylinders or allow objects to strike cylinders.
An open vehicle or trailer is preferred.
Always transport cylinders in an upright position.
Cylinders should only be placed on a flat floor or platform.
If cylinders are secured to a pallet, the pallet must be capable of transporting 3500 pounds per pallet and the cylinders must be secured with web straps rated for 10,000 pounds.
Secure cylinders in the vehicle or trailer to prevent movement during transport. Cylinders should not move relative to each other or the supporting structure.
When transporting hydrogen or cryogenic liquid cylinders, the vehicle must have an open body and be able to hold the cylinders upright when subjected to 2g acceleration, and the vehicle may not enter tunnels.
Requirements for vehicles transporting gas cylinders
Any vehicle transporting gas cylinders must also carry the following:
Shipping documents. Also called a hazard manifest, bill of lading, waybill, or daily itinerary. These documents contain information about the type, size, and quantity of hazardous materials. They must be within the driver's reach at all times. This requirement does not apply when the material is used as a trade material - such as a welder delivering the gas to a job site. Medical oxygen is not an exception to this.
When transporting medical oxygen for home health care, the shipping document is often called an oxygen manifest.
North American Emergency Response Guide or equivalent
If the vehicle is transporting more than one liter of an inhalable toxic substance or compressed gas with a methane content of at least 85%, it must also have a safety permit issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Requirements for drivers or motor carriers transporting gas cylinders
Any employee who handles or drives a vehicle transporting 1,001 pounds or more of hazardous materials must:
Receive hazmat training. Training must be completed within 90 days of employment and renewed every three years.
Drivers must receive commercial driver's license (CDL) training.
Drivers must receive drug and alcohol information.
Drivers' supervisors must receive drug testing training.
Motor carriers transporting more than 3,500 gallons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) must carry $5 million in financial liability insurance.
Motor carriers transporting up to 3,500 gallons of LPG in a sealed system in interstate or foreign commerce require $1 million in insurance.
Transporting less than 3,500 gallons of LPG within the state is subject only to state financial responsibility requirements.
Hazmat carriers must carry $1 million to $5 million in liability insurance, depending on the cargo.
Home health workers and patients carrying oxygen cylinders
Use a cart or holster to carry portable oxygen. The holster looks like a shoulder bag with an opening at the top. Oxygen cylinders should not be carried in closed bags or backpacks.
Secure oxygen cylinders so they cannot roll inside the vehicle. Liquid oxygen tanks should never be placed on their side. Portable cylinders may be placed on their side, but the valves must be protected from impact. Oxygen cylinders should never be placed in an enclosed space like a trunk.
When using oxygen, sit near a half-open window to prevent oxygen and heat from building up inside the vehicle.
When riding a bus, notify the bus service in advance that you will be carrying oxygen. If you
The following video shows how to travel safely with an oxygen tank in the vehicle.
Equipment for transporting cylinders
The USA Safe Truck Shipping Bracket provides a safer method of transporting cylinders. When the bracket is properly bolted to the bed of a vehicle or trailer, the included polypropylene straps prevent the cylinder from tipping over, and the locking post and ring plate prevent the cylinder from moving up and down.
The cylinder safety cap is required when the bracket is used properly. If you have any questions about these brackets or other products we carry, please contact us.