Site Operations
Gas Cylinders, Oxy-Fuel Equipment & Compressed Gas Storage
Covers the safe handling, transport, storage and use of compressed gas cylinders and oxy-fuel welding/cutting equipment on UAE construction sites, including segregation, flashback arrestors and desert climate hazards.
v2.0Updated 15 Feb 2026ADOSH-SF v4.1 (February 2026)Learning Objectives
- Identify cylinder colour coding and correct securing/transport methods used in the UAE.
- Explain segregation distances between oxygen and fuel gas cylinder storage.
- Describe the function and mandatory fitting points of flashback arrestors.
- List pre-use checks for oxy-fuel hoses, regulators and torches.
- Explain UAE desert-climate specific storage precautions for compressed gas cylinders.
Training Video
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1. Cylinder Identification and Handling
Compressed gas cylinders in the UAE follow colour-coded and labelled identification: oxygen cylinders are typically black with a white shoulder, acetylene maroon, and LPG grey. Cylinders must always be transported and stored upright, secured with chains or straps to a trolley or wall bracket, with valve protection caps fitted whenever not in use. Never drag, roll, or drop a cylinder. Damaged, leaking, or unlabelled cylinders must be immediately isolated and reported — never used.
2. Segregation of Oxygen and Fuel Gas
Oxygen and fuel gas (acetylene, LPG, propane) cylinders — whether full or empty — must be segregated by a minimum of 3 metres or by a fire-rated wall of at least 1.5 metres height when stored, per Dubai Municipality Code of Construction Safety Practice and NFPA-aligned UAE site standards. Empty cylinders are still under pressure and must be segregated and labelled 'MT' (empty), not treated as waste. Storage areas require clear signage, fire extinguishers, and 'No Smoking' notices.
3. Flashback Arrestors
Flashback arrestors prevent a reverse flame travelling back through the hose into the cylinder, which can cause an explosion. UAE site rules mandate flashback arrestors fitted at BOTH the regulator outlet on each cylinder AND the torch handle end of each hose — four arrestors total per oxy-fuel set (two oxygen, two fuel gas). Arrestors must be checked for date validity and function before each use; a failed arrestor takes the whole set out of service immediately.
4. Pre-Use Equipment Checks
Before lighting an oxy-fuel torch, inspect hoses for cuts, abrasion, perishing or oil contamination; check hose colour coding (blue/oxygen, red/fuel gas) and correct non-interchangeable connections; test regulators for creeping needles indicating a leak; and apply leak-detection fluid to all connections. Torches must have working non-return valves. Any hose showing damage is condemned immediately, not taped or repaired on site.
5. Storage in UAE Desert Climate
UAE ambient temperatures regularly exceed 45°C in summer, and cylinders left in direct sun can experience significant internal pressure rise. Cylinder storage compounds must be shaded, ventilated, and located away from direct sunlight, ignition sources, and drainage channels. Cylinders must never be stored inside site cabins, containers used as offices, or vehicles left in the sun. Pressure relief devices must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.
6. Use, Transport and Emergency Response
Only trained and authorised personnel may connect, use, or change cylinders. When transporting cylinders on site vehicles, they must be secured upright, separated from ignition sources, and never carried in enclosed vehicle cabins with personnel. In case of a gas leak, evacuate the area, remove ignition sources, do not use electrical switches nearby, and contact Civil Defence per the site emergency plan. All cylinder storage areas require a documented emergency response arrangement.
Knowledge Assessment
1. In the UAE, oxygen cylinders are typically identified by which colour?
2. The minimum segregation distance between oxygen and fuel gas cylinder storage is:
3. Flashback arrestors must be fitted at:
4. An empty cylinder should be:
5. Oxygen hoses are conventionally colour coded:
6. A damaged hose found during pre-use checks should be:
7. In UAE summer conditions, cylinders should be stored:
8. Leak detection at hose connections should be performed using:
9. During cylinder transport on a site vehicle, cylinders must be:
10. If a gas leak is detected in a storage compound, the first action is to:
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