NFPA 55 Compressed gases and Cryogenic Fluids code allows lecture bottles to be stored horizontally.
7.4.1.8 Cylinders and Containers of 1.3 Gal (5 L) or Less.
Cylinders or containers with a water volume of 1.3 gal (5 L) or less shall be permitted to be used in a horizontal position.
I would prefer they not be in a box as that means they are surrounded foy a combustible material that could be set on fire by an outside source leading to a failure of the cylinder. So storing them horizontally isn’t the problem but the combustible “support” is. Also if the contents are hazardous they should be stored in a ventilated enclosure as a best practice.
Also please remember the limited MAQ (Maximum allowable quantities) allowed in labs by NFPA 45 Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals.
10.1.6.4 The quantity of compressed and liquefied gases in Class A, Class B, and Class C laboratory units shall be in accordance with the amounts listed in Table 6.3.1.1 of NFPA 55.
10.1.6.5 The quantity of compressed and liquefied gases in lecture bottle cylinders in Class A, Class B, and Class C laboratory units shall be limited to 50 percent of the amounts listed in Table 6.3.1.1 of NFPA 55.
10.1.6.6 The quantity of compressed and liquefied gases in Class D laboratory units shall be limited to 50 percent of the amounts listed in Table 6.3.1.1 of NFPA 55.
10.1.6.7 In instructional laboratory units, the quantity of compressed and liquefied gases shall be limited to 10 percent of the amounts listed in Table 6.3.1.1 of NFPA 55.
10.1.6.8
In educational laboratory work areas, the quantity of compressed and liquefied gases shall be limited as follows:
(1)The maximum quantity of flammable gas shall not exceed 2.8 m3 (100 ft3).
(2)The maximum quantity of oxidizing gas shall not exceed 2.8 m3 (100 ft3).
(3)A maximum of two 0.5 kg (1 lb) liquefied flammable gas cylinders shall be permitted.
(4)Gases classified as toxic or highly toxic in accordance with NFPA 55 shall not be permitted.
Richard Palluzi
BE(ChE), ME(ChE), PE, CSP,FAIChE
Pilot plant and laboratory consulting, safety, design, reviews, and training
Richard P Palluzi LLC
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Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
908-285-3782
Hello, everyone,
I am curious for your input.
We have lecture bottles of gases, including CO, C2H4, and N2, that are still in their original boxes and as a result being stored on their sides.
I know that all guidance I have read says to store lecture bottles upright to prevent damage and leaks. Because the boxes keep the cylinders protected from impact and from rolling around, I am wondering if vertical storage mounting would provide protection from any additional risks/hazards that I have not imagined.
Any thoughts and any experience you might be willing to share would be much appreciated,
Melinda Box, MEd, CCHO
Chemistry Dept Lab Manager
(336) 278-6225
