Transporting welding and cutting gases

Tradesmen who rely on oxy-acetylene equipment or liquefied petroleum (LP) gas cylinders often carry portable units to work sites and travel on the road for long distances.

Separate and ventilate—Do you carry dangerous goods in your van? - poster (PDF 2039 kb)

Separate and ventilate—Transporting welding or cutting gases to site? - poster (PDF 1900 kb)

What are the dangers of transporting welding and cutting gases?

Workers have died and sustained serious injuries after their work vehicles have exploded.

These explosions have occurred when gas from oxy-acetylene equipment or LP gas cylinders leaked into vehicles and formed an explosive fuel and air mixture. This mixture has then been ignited by a spark from the vehicle electrical system such as remote locking systems or interior lights or the lighing of a cigarette. Any fire will burn faster with a ready supply of oxygen.

The risk of gas regulators being hit during transport is real. Potentially deadly consequences include rocketing cylinders. Unsecured cylinders pose a risk.

How do I safely transport gas welding and cutting gas cylinders?

Enclosed trade vans

The following precautions will reduce the risk of an explosion:

  • install a gas cabinet
  • ensure the gas cabinet is securely mounted with a vapour-tight seal on the door and around the vent pipe
  • ensure the gas cabinet is sealed and ventilated to outside air
  • secure the cylinders
  • remove regulators
  • close cylinder valves
  • tighten safety caps
  • securely seal cabinet door before transport
  • don't smoke
  • remove cylinders from the van before use
  • carry a fire extinguisher.

Utilities and open-tray vehicles

The following precautions will reduce the risk of an explosion or the cylinder becoming a projectile:

  • ensure gas bottles are secured in an upright position on the back of the utility or tray top
  • remove regulators
  • close cylinder valves
  • tighten safety caps
  • don't smoke
  • don't cover with a tarpaulin
  • remove cylinders from the vehicle before use
  • carry a fire extinguisher.

Remember—separate and ventilate!