Respect the container
Compressed gas cylinders are heavy and awkward, made of thick metal, and filled with gases sometimes compressed to well over 2000 (psi).
Keep cylinders upright at all times, and, since higher temperatures will increase the pressure in some gases, out of the direct sun.
Protect the valve
When no regulator is attached to the cylinder valve, the valve protection cap must always be in place on the cylinder. The valve itself is the weak point and it is damaged relatively easily. A damaged valve can cause a gas leak that could cause an explosion, lead to suffocation, or create a dangerous projectile. It is imperative to keep the caps on, and hand-tighten them.
Transport safely
Whether you need to move gas cylinders’ feet or miles, the safety guidelines are the same. Always move cylinders with a secure hand truck or secured in a cylinder rack on a vehicle. Skipping the hand truck and rolling them instead can dislodge the valve and create a missile or explosion in your work area.
Store thoughtfully
Keep empty cylinders stored in a well-ventilated area that is far from heat sources or open flames and separate them from full cylinders to reduce fire risk. Always store cylinders in secure areas, secured by chains above the cylinder midpoints. Also, make sure to store containers on a shelf versus cold concrete, wet grass, or dirt.