Gas cylinders are everywhere: LPG for forklifts and BBQs, oxygen and acetylene in workshops, CO2 in bars and cafes, and specialty gases in labs. A cylinder holds a lot of stored energy, and some gases are flammable, toxic or push oxygen out of the air. Clear signs on the cage or store tell people what's inside, what not to do nearby and where to shut the gas off.
Cylinder storage is usually covered by your state's work health and safety (hazardous chemicals) or dangerous goods rules, and Australian Standard AS 4332 is commonly referenced. This guide is general information only. Your safety adviser, gas supplier or regulator can confirm what your site needs.
1. Identify the gas class
Class diamonds show the type of gas at a glance:
- Flammable gas (Class 2.1) for LPG, acetylene and hydrogen.
- Non-flammable, non-toxic gas (Class 2.2) for nitrogen, CO2, argon and compressed air.
- Toxic gas (Class 2.3) for gases like chlorine and ammonia.
Our Hazchem and GHS guide explains the classes in more detail.
2. Hazard signs for the store
- Danger: high pressure gas
- Danger: LPG cylinder store, no ignition sources within 3m
- Danger: acetylene and Danger: oxygen, no smoking, no oil or grease for welding gas stores.
- Danger: chlorine gas for pool plant rooms and water treatment.
- Danger: hydrogen gas, battery charging area for forklift charging bays.
3. Handling and housekeeping signs
- Notice: secure all tanks, chain cylinders so cylinders can't fall.
- Full cylinders and Empty cylinders signs to keep full and empty stock apart.
- No smoking signs on and around the store. See our no smoking signs guide.
4. Gas meters and isolation valves
In an emergency, people need to find the gas shut-off fast.
- Emergency gas shut-off valve sign
- Gas isolation valve signs in silver, gold and red finishes.
- Gas meter signs in silver, gold and white for apartment and commercial buildings.
Builders fitting out new buildings can find more room signs in our plant and pump room signs guide.
Where to put cylinder signs
- On the cage or store door, facing the way people approach.
- On every side that can be seen from a work area or roadway.
- At the shut-off valve, so it can be found without searching.
Which material?
Cylinder cages are often outdoors. Aluminium and ACP handle sun and rain for years and can be cable-tied or bolted to mesh. Vinyl stickers suit smooth cabinet doors.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a class diamond and a danger sign?
Many sites use both: the diamond identifies the gas, and the danger sign spells out the rules. Check your site's requirements with your safety adviser or regulator.
Can I order signs for several stores at once?
Yes. Buy 25 or more of the same sign to save an extra 5%, 50+ to save 10%, or 150+ to save 15%, applied automatically. Every sign is made to order and dispatched in 2โ3 business days.
Related: Dangerous goods placards and labels
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