How should acetylene and oxygen cylinders that are not in use be stored?

Storing acetylene and oxygen cylinders separately and away from site accommodation is necessary for safety reasons. Acetylene is a highly flammable gas, and when it is combined with oxygen, the potential for fire and explosion increases significantly. Storing the cylinders apart reduces the risk of an incident occurring due to accidental ignition or gas leakage.

The separation also allows for better monitoring and handling of each type of gas and ensures that any leaks or emergencies can be managed without the risk of propagating incidents within the accommodation area, where personnel might be working or residing. Adequate distance from living or working spaces prevents putting individuals at risk of fire, explosion, or toxic exposure.

Other storage options may pose risks; for example, keeping them together can lead to a dangerous situation where an ignition source could rapidly escalate a fire. Storing them near accommodations for easy access compromises safety for the sake of convenience, and using a locked container would not provide the necessary separation criteria that are critical in managing the risks associated with these gases.