AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsSafetyMedium
A welding inspector is conducting a safety audit in a workshop. They observe several cylinders of compressed oxygen and acetylene stored vertically, but without any securing chains or racks. What is the PRIMARY hazard associated with this storage practice?
- AAccelerated corrosion of the cylinder walls.
- BContamination of the gas inside the cylinders.
- CRisk of cylinders falling and causing valve damage or rupture.
- DIncreased pressure buildup within the cylinders.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Risk of cylinders falling and causing valve damage or rupture.
Unsecured compressed gas cylinders stored vertically pose a significant hazard. If they fall, the valve can be sheared off, turning the cylinder into an uncontrolled projectile and rapidly releasing its contents, which can be highly dangerous (e.g., fire/explosion with acetylene, oxygen enrichment).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Corrosion is generally not accelerated by vertical storage without securing.
- B. Gas contamination is not a direct result of unsecured vertical storage.
- D. Pressure buildup is related to temperature, not how the cylinder is stored or secured.
Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage
Safe storage of compressed gas cylinders requires them to be secured in an upright position to prevent falling and potential valve damage or rupture.
- Store cylinders vertically.
- Secure with chains or racks.
- Falling cylinders can become dangerous projectiles.
Memory trick: Stand up tall, but don't you fall, secure your tank, or risk it all.