July 22, 1997

Scott Prowell, Field Safety Coordinator
Anderson Construction Co. Inc.
P.O. Box 6712
Portland, OR 97228

Dear Mr. Prowell:

Thank you for contacting us regarding oxygen and acetylene tank storageand their safe use. Compressed gas cylinders with the regulators installedare considered by OSHA to be "connected for use" if they are installedon a "special truck" which can be a vehicle or cart used for the specificpurpose of transporting the gas cylinders in the workplace. The "specialtruck" must be designed so that the following conditions can be met:

1) when cylinders are on the special trucks, they must be held in anerect or nearly erect position; and

2) protection of the cylinder valves and regulators must be provided.

The intervals at which the unit is used is not the main consideration.The critical factor that distinguishes cylinders in storage (where valveprotection caps are required) from those not in storage is that those notin storage must be in use or connected for use, with provisions made toprotect the regulator and the valve. Also, in accordance with the requirementof 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(G), cylinder valves must be closed when work is finished.Cylinders are not required to be separated for storage at the end of theday if the above conditions are met.

For further information contact Bob Thiessen at 378-3272. You are alsoinvited to see the OR-OSHA pages on the Internet at: www.cbs.state.or.us/external/osha/index.html.

Sincerely,

Marilyn K. Schuster, Manager
Standards & Technical Resources Section
Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Division

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