All storage areas for gases should follow these basic principles:
When deciding on the location, design and subsequent construction of a store the process must be subject to a site specific risk assessment, taking account of all relevant legal and permit requirements.
BCGA provide several documents providing advice for storage:
It is usual for bulk tanks to act as a gas source and to be connected into a distribution system. In some circumstances, stores may be set up to allow selected gas cylinders and bundles to be connected into a distribution system. Such a gas supply and distribution system shall meet specific requirements. BCGA provide advice on our Pipework webpage and in:
Where cryogenic gases are stored in small quantities, BCGA provide advice in:
For specific biomedical cryogenic storage systems, BCGA provide advice in:
Provides the minimum safety practices and principles for the selection and assembly of pressure equipment to control and distribute gases. Details the requirements for the design, installation, testing, commissioning and handover of a pressure system. It sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Designer, the Installer and the User.
Go To Download PageProvides the minimum safety practices and principles for the selection and assembly of pressure equipment to control and distribute acetylene gas. Details the requirements for the design, installation, testing, commissioning and handover of a pressure system. It sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Designer, the Installer and the User.
Go To Download PageProvides technical and safety guidelines and principles for the safe storage and handling of special gases in transportable containers up to the point where product is provided at the required pressure and flow at the junction with the user process.Guidelines on disposal are also given.The safe operation of processes is not included, although many of the principles given in this Code will apply.
Go To Download PageThe design, installation, operation and maintenance of bulk liquid carbon dioxide storage systems at users’ premises. All tanks up to 250,000 litres capacity are included.
Go To Download PageCovers the storage, maintenance, handling, filling and use of dewars. Specifically addresses the use of liquid nitrogen in open dewars and dewars fitted with liquid withdrawal devices operating at less than 0.5 bar.
Go To Download PageThis document covers the installation of cryogenic liquid storage tanks and associated equipment at customer sites. For liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon. Tank sizes range from 0 to 125000 litre water capacity.
Go To Download PageThis document addresses the issues surrounding the security of industrial, medical and food gases (including in liquefied form) and associated items held in bulk, as cylinder stock or in transport. It provides advice on implementing security as well as reacting to security incidents.
Go To Download PageThis document defines the principles of safe practice for the storage of gas cylinders and bundles. It promotes the use of an outdoor store, with good natural ventilation, in a secure location, which meets the required separation distances.
Go To Download PageThe design, installation and operation of systems used for the storage of biomedical materials at cryogenic temperatures, using liquid nitrogen as a sacrificial refrigerant.
Go To Download PageThis document covers cryogenic flammable liquid storage tanks and associated equipment at customer sites. Tank sizes range from 0 to 125000 litre water capacity. It provides guidance on their design, installation, commissioning and the operation of cryogenic flammable liquid storage installations.
Go To Download PageClarifies BCGA’s meaning of, and recommendations for, separation distances. This edition has collected many separation distances used in BCGA publications into a single document. Future revisions of this Guidance Note will review, further develop and consolidate the separation distances.
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