What are the risk prevention and control measures for the storage of industrial gases?

1. Store separately: Prevent chemical reactions caused by mixed storage.

1. Zoning by gas properties
   • Flammable gases (such as hydrogen and acetylene) must be stored separately. The storage area must be clearly marked with signs reading “No Smoking or Open Flames.” They must be kept at least 5 meters away from oxidizing gases (such as oxygen and air) and at least 10 meters away from toxic gases (such as chlorine and ammonia).
   • Toxic gases must be stored in a separate, well-ventilated, and airtight space equipped with a dedicated gas detection and alarm system. A warning light and emergency rescue supplies must also be placed outside the space.
2. Avoid contact with prohibited gases.
   • It is strictly prohibited to store oxidizing gases (such as oxygen) and reducing gases (such as hydrogen) in the same area, to prevent them from mixing after a leak and reaching the explosive limit.
   • Corrosive gases (such as hydrogen fluoride and chlorine) must be stored in tanks or cylinders made of corrosion-resistant materials, kept separately in an area with a corrosion-resistant floor to prevent the spread of any leaks or spills.

II. Environmental Control: Creating Safe Storage Conditions

1. Temperature and Ventilation Management
   • The storage area temperature must be maintained between -20℃ and 40℃. Avoid direct sunlight and keep the area away from heat sources (such as boilers or radiators) to prevent the gas inside the cylinders from expanding due to heating, which could lead to excessive pressure.
   • Ensure good ventilation; if natural ventilation is insufficient, install explosion-proof exhaust fans to ensure that leaked gases can disperse promptly. This is especially important for toxic and flammable gases, which require ventilation at a frequency of at least 3 times per hour.
2. Site and Fire Protection Configuration
   • The floor surface must be made of non-sparking materials (such as concrete or antistatic flooring) to prevent sparks from friction. Storing clutter in the area is strictly prohibited; passageways must remain unobstructed, and emergency evacuation routes must have a width of at least 1.2 meters.
   • Equip fire extinguishers corresponding to the type of gas present—for example, use dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers in areas with flammable gases, and install eyewash stations and sprinkler systems in areas with toxic gases. Additionally, fire protection facilities must be inspected monthly.

3. Equipment Management: Ensure that storage containers and accessories are in good condition.

1. Container and Accessory Inspection
   • Before using a cylinder, verify its expiration date (generally, cylinders have a service life of 8 years and should be inspected every 2 years). Check the cylinder body for scratches or corrosion, and ensure that the valve is intact and undamaged before it can be stored.
   • The pressure gauges and safety valves of the storage tank must be calibrated regularly (every six months) to ensure accurate pressure readings and automatic pressure relief in case of overpressure. Valves must be equipped with antistatic grounding devices to prevent static electricity buildup.
2. Fixed and Protective Measures
   • The cylinders must be secured with dedicated stands or iron chains to prevent tipping and impact. The securing height must exceed half the height of the cylinder, and no more than three cylinders may be placed on the same stand.
   • Storage tanks for cryogenic liquefied gases (such as liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen) must be properly insulated to prevent personnel from suffering frostbite due to low temperatures. Protective barriers should be installed around the tanks, and unauthorized personnel are prohibited from approaching them.

IV. Personnel Operations: Standardized Procedures and Emergency Preparedness

1. Operation standard implementation
   • Operators must undergo training before taking up their posts and be familiar with the properties and storage requirements of different gases. When handling cylinders, use dedicated hand trucks; rolling or striking cylinders is strictly prohibited. When opening or closing valves, operate slowly to prevent excessive gas flow rates that could generate static electricity.
   • After each access, record the gas name, quantity, access time, and cylinder status, and maintain a ledger to ensure traceability. If any abnormality is detected (such as a cylinder leak), immediately stop operations and report it.
2. Emergency Response Plan
   • Develop a specialized emergency response plan for the storage area, clearly defining the procedures for handling incidents such as gas leaks and fires. Organize regular drills (once per quarter) to ensure that personnel are familiar with the emergency response steps.
   • Equipped with a portable gas detector, operators must check the gas concentration before entering the storage area. If the concentration of toxic gases exceeds the standard (e.g., carbon monoxide concentration > 30 mg/m³), entry is prohibited; ventilation must be carried out first before any further action is taken.