1910.253(b)(2): General Storage of Gas Cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders must be kept away from radiators and other heat sources. Inside buildings, they must be stored in a well-protected, well-ventilated, dry place at least 20 feet from highly combustible materials, where they will not be knocked over, damaged or tampered with, and never in unventilated lockers or cupboards. Empty cylinders must have valves closed, and valve caps must be in place hand-tight except when in use or connected.
Key takeaways
- 1910.253(b)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 313 times in the last 3 years, in 276 inspections, with $538,631 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (44), MD (32), TX (28).
- 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) ("Storage of cylinders—general") is one requirement inside 1910.253 Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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
(2) Storage of cylinders—general. 313 citations
(i) Cylinders shall be kept away from radiators and other sources of heat. 4 citations
(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. Open (b)(2)(ii) 200 citations
(iii) Empty cylinders shall have their valves closed. 2 citations
(iv) Valve protection caps, where cylinder is designed to accept a cap, shall always be in place, hand-tight, except when cylinders are in use or connected for use. Open (b)(2)(iv) 105 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 | 24 |
| 2024 | 105 |
| 2025 | 113 |
| 2026 | 71 |
Top states: VA (44), MD (32), TX (28), NC (22), CT (20)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MUELLER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC. | BALLINGER, TX | $16,550 |
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $14,188 |
| PROCESS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. | TULSA, OK | $12,600 |
| TRANSWOOD LOGISTICS, INC. | LOUISVILLE, NE | $11,400 |
| CALGON CARBON CORPORATION | BLOOMFIELD, NM | $11,250 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.253(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Storage of oxygen and acetylene cylinders for construction vs. general industry. (2006-05-10)
- General industry and construction standards regarding "in use" or "ready to use" and "storage" of compressed gas and oxygen cylinders for welding; §1910.253(b)(2)-1910.253(b)(4) and §1926.350(a)(10). (2006-05-08)
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)(ii) 200 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
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Frequently asked questions
How far must cylinders be from combustible materials indoors?
At least 20 feet (6.1 m) from highly combustible materials such as oil or excelsior.
When must valve protection caps be on?
Always, hand-tight, where the cylinder is designed to accept a cap, except when in use or connected for use.
Can cylinders be stored in a locker?
No. Cylinders shall not be kept in unventilated enclosures such as lockers and cupboards.
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.