1910.253(b)(2)(ii): Storing Gas Cylinders Inside Buildings
Inside buildings, employers must store compressed gas cylinders in a well-protected, well-ventilated, dry place at least 20 feet (6.1 m) from highly combustible materials such as oil or excelsior. Storage spots should be assigned away from elevators, stairs or gangways, placed where cylinders will not be knocked over, damaged or tampered with, and never in unventilated enclosures like lockers and cupboards.
Key takeaways
- 1910.253(b)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 200 times in the last 3 years, in 200 inspections, with $375,271 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (28), TX (18), CT (15).
- Related part: 1910.253(b) Cylinders and containers (902 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.253(b)(2)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.253 Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(ii) Inside of buildings, cylinders shall be stored in a well-protected, well-ventilated, dry location, at least 20 feet (6.1 m) from highly combustible materials such as oil or excelsior. Cylinders should be stored in definitely assigned places away from elevators, stairs, or gangways. Assigned storage spaces shall be located where cylinders will not be knocked over or damaged by passing or falling objects, or subject to tampering by unauthorized persons. Cylinders shall not be kept in unventilated enclosures such as lockers and cupboards. 200 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.253.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 62 |
| 2025 | 73 |
| 2026 | 46 |
Top states: VA (28), TX (18), CT (15), NC (13), MD (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MUELLER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC. | BALLINGER, TX | $16,550 |
| TRANSWOOD LOGISTICS, INC. | LOUISVILLE, NE | $11,400 |
| CALGON CARBON CORPORATION | BLOOMFIELD, NM | $11,250 |
| MONRO MUFFLER AND BRAKE INC. | SEVEN HILLS, OH | $10,050 |
| NOVOLEX | SWEDESBORO, NJ | $9,218 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.253(b)(2)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.253(b)(2)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.253(b) Cylinders and containers 902 citations
- 1910.253(b)(4) Oxygen storage 563 citations
- 1910.253(b)(4)(iii) 470 citations
- 1910.253(b)(2) Storage of cylinders—general 313 citations
- 1910.253(b)(2)(iv) 105 citations
- 1910.253(b)(4)(i) 92 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5) Operating procedures 16 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(ii) 11 citations
- 1910.253(b)(1) Approval and marking 7 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(iii) 5 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(D) 4 citations
- 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(I) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How far must cylinders be stored from oil or other highly combustible materials?
At least 20 feet (6.1 m).
Can cylinders be stored in a locker?
No. Cylinders shall not be kept in unventilated enclosures such as lockers and cupboards.
What kind of location is required?
A well-protected, well-ventilated, dry location where they will not be knocked over, damaged or tampered with.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.253 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.