Store and transport medical gas cylinders
Overview
This standard covers the safe storage and transport of medical gas cylinders, including correct handling techniques, safe positioning, labelling, segregation of gases, and secure transportation. It emphasises the importance of risk assessment, incident reporting, and maintaining safety for individuals, staff, and others.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in storing and transporting medical gas cylinders
P2. check that medical gas cylinders are stored in accordance with organisational requirements and that they are:
a. not subject to extremes of temperature
b. in dry, clean and well-ventilated areas
c. away from highly flammable liquids and other combustible materials
d. away from sources of heat and ignition
P3. ensure cylinders that are filled, empty or of different gases are all stored according to organisational instructions
P4. use correct handling techniques, securing devices and equipment when lifting, moving and transporting cylinders
P5. transport cylinders in accordance with organisational procedures
P6. make sure cylinders do not come into contact with oils which may react with the gas contained within them and if they are contaminated/soiled that they are cleaned in line with recommendations in the manufacturer’s instructions
P7. check stock levels and report low numbers to an appropriate person
P8. take precautions to protect cylinders from theft
P9. check labels and make sure that:
a. the label is intact
b. the cylinder you are transporting is the one requested
P10. check the cylinder for leaks and report any damage in accordance with the instructions for use.
P11. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
P12. complete all relevant documentation required for storing and transporting medical gas cylinders
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to store and transport medical gas cylinders
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
K5. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
K6. how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
K7. the correct manual handling techniques for moving and transporting cylinders
K8. how to store medical gas cylinders safely and why this is important
K9. the colour coding and symbols on medical gas cylinders
K10. the importance of maintaining records of medical gas supplies
K11. the potential danger with high pressure gas cylinders exploding if in contact with oil, grease and creams when handling cylinders
K12. low stock levels for each type of gas required by the organisation
K13. the organisational procedure for reporting any leaking equipment
K14. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements and the manufacturers requirements for safe use