OS/FDS/ 201 /  2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
انًذيزيت انعبيت نهًىاصفبث وانًقبييس  
وسارة انخجبرة وانصُبعت  
 
 
 
This document is a draft Omani Standard circulated for comments. It is, therefore, subject to 
alteration and modification and may not be referred to a s an Omani Standard until approved.  
 
ICS:23.020 
 
 اسطوانات الغاز- متطلبات تعبئة ونقل وتداول وتخزين اسطوانـات الغازات 
البترولية المسالـة  
GAS CYLINDERS -REQUIREMENTS FOR FILLING, 
TRANSPORT, HANDLING AND STORAGE OF LI QUEFIED 
PETROLEUM GAS CYLINDERS  
   
 
   
تقديم 
 
 
انًذيزيت انعبيت نهًىاصفبث وانًقبييس جهبس انخقييس انىطُي بسهطُت عًبٌ أَشأث بًىجب 
انًزسىو انسهطبَي رقى 39/76 ويٍ يهبيهب إعذاد انًىاصفبث انقيبسيت انعًبَيت وانهىائح
انفُيت انعًبَيت .  
 
وقذ قبيج دائزة انًىاصفبث ببنًذيزيت ضًٍ عًم قسى يىاصفبث انًُخجبث انًيكبَيكيت 
وانًعذَيت بخحذيث انًىاصفت انقيبسيت انعًبَيت رقى 201/90  يخطهببث حعبئت وَقم وحذاول
وحخشيٍ اسطىاَـبث انغبساث انبخزونيت انًسبنـت. 
   
وقذ اعخًذث هذِ انًىاصفت  كـ(يىاصفت قيبسيت  /لائحت فُيت ) عًبَيت بخبريخ   /    /         هـ ،  
انًىافق    /    /          و، عهى أٌ حهغي انًىاصفت رقى  201/90 وححم يحههب. 
 
 
 
Foreword 
 
The Directorate General of Standards and Metrology (DGSM) is the National 
Standards Body in Sultanate of Oman. It established by the Royal Dec ree 
No.39/76. DGSM is responsible of issuing Omani Standards and Technical 
Regulations.  
 
Director of Standards, in the DGSM through the technical program of 
department of mechanical and metal products standards has updated the OS 
standard No.: 201/90 Requi rements For Filling, Transport, Handling And 
Storage Of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cylinders . 
 
This standard has been approved as Omani ( Standard / technical Regulation) on                                 
/     /             H,      /     /              G.  the approved standard will replace and 
supersede the OS standard No. 201/90  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
1 
  GAS CYLINDERS -REQUIREMENTS FOR FILLING, 
TRANSPORT, HANDLING AND STORAGE OF LIQUEFIED 
PETROLEUM GAS CYLINDERS 
 
 
1 SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION  
This Omani  Standard is concern ed with the requirements for filling, transport ing, handling 
and storage of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders.  It includes  criteria to render  cylinders 
unserviceable.  
 It is not concerned with the necessary requirements at consumption places.  
 
2 COMPLEMENTAR Y REFERENCES  
Omani  Standards : 
2.1 OS 120: Liquefied P etroleum Gas Cylinders of Capacities 48 and 108 Litres.  
 
3 DEFINITIONS  
3.1 Water capacity : The volume of water in litres re quired to fill  completely  the cylinder at  
(25 ± 2)oC. 
3.2 Evacuation : A process by which a p artial vacuum is induced in the cylinder for 
removing air and/or residual LPG to prepare the cylinder for the filling process.  
3.3 Bottling gas station : licensed corporate body, defi ned by  relevant authority, which by 
combination of appropriate qualification, training, experience and resources is capable of  
refilling  LPG cylinder  as per this standard . 
3.4 Competent person : A person who by a combinat ion of training and experience is able to 
make objective judgments on  LPG cylinder  acceptance , repair  or rejection . 
3.5 Authority : Government sections that issue approvals and licenses related to this standard 
subject.  
3.6  Periodic inspection : activities carried out at defined intervals including but not limited 
to examining, measuring, testing or gauging the characteristics of a cylinder and 
comparing these with specified requirements as defined in the Omani  standard  
mentioned in 2. 1 and marking to attest conformity with the standard.  
3.7 Periodic inspection test station : licensed corporate body, defined by relevant authority, 
which by combination of appropriate qualification, training, experience and resources is 
able to inspect, test, maintain and re-qualify  LPG cylinder.  
3.8 Tare mass : sum of the empty mass, the mass of the valve including a dip tube where 
fitted, and the mass of all other parts that are permanently attached to the cylinder when 
it is being filled, e.g. the fixed valve guard.  
 OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
2 
 4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS  
4.1 The liquefied petroleum gas cylinders shall be in accordance with the Omani  standard  
mentioned in clause 2. 1 . 
4.2 The weig ht of gas filled into cylinders shall not be less than  the permissible weights by 
more than  2%.  
4.3 The valves fitted on cylinders shall be in accordance with the relevant Omani  Standard, 
and shall be closed during transport and storage.  
4.4 The paint colour shal l be reflective to heat radiation and stable under the effect of direct 
sunlight. It is recommended to use the same colour for these cylinders; i.e. the silver grey 
colour.  
4.5 Lubricating and sealing materials used in valves shall be resistant to LPG.  
4.6 Gas com pressors used in filling stations shall not cause oil accumulation in the filled 
LPG.  It is recommended to use an oil free compressor.  
4.7 If there are no roller conveyors, the platform of the filling scale shall be covered with an 
elastic material in order t o minimize the friction between cylinders and the platform.  
The concrete slab shall be incorporated with copper grid and steel reinforced to give it 
antistatic and spark resistance properties.  
4.8 Naked flames shall never be used for tracing a point of leakag e. 
4.9 All persons concerned in the field of LPG shall be trained in their respective duties and 
shall be thoroughly familiar with the characteristics of LPG, the hazards associated with 
it, the procedures of fighting LPG fires and the necessary precautions to  be taken in case 
of any gas leakage.  
4.10 All agencies dealing with LPG shall be licenced and subject to periodic inspection by the 
concerned authorities.  
 
5 STORAGE OF EMPTY CYLINDERS BEFORE FILLING  
5.1 The empty cylinders shall be transported and stored after clos ing the valves tightly.  
5.2 Cylinders shall not be subjected to external stresses during storage or transportation.  
5.3 Cylinders shall be stored on high jetties in filling stations and on pavements of a height 
30 cm minimum in the distribution stores.  The filled  cylinders shall not be permanently 
stored inside the filling area.  
5.4 Cylinders shall be stored in properly ventilated covered stores.  
5.5 If any part of the cylinder body has been subject to rust due to removal of a part of the 
paint; this part shall be repaint ed before storage or filling.  
 
6 TRANSPORT OF CYLINDERS INSIDE THE FILLING STATION  
 It is preferable that cylinders be automatically transported during filling and weighing 
processes. Cylinders shall not be subjected to any stress during transport from one p lace to 
another, and during loading on the transporting vehicles.  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
3 
  
7 SEGREGATION OF CYLINDERS PRIOR TO FILLING  
 
Cylinders shall be checked and segregated into the categories specified in 7.1 ,7.2 and 7.3. 
7.1 Cylinders suitable for filling  
Cylinders shall be dee med suitable for filling if the following conditions apply:  
7.1.1 Design code/specificat ion is identifiable in accordance with marking mentioned in 
clause 5 from OS 120.  
7.1.2 Tare mass or tare indication and water cap acity are marked.  
7.1.3 Cylinder is within the test date  as determined from the marked manufacturer's or 
periodic  inspection  dates . 
7.1.4 A visual inspection of visible areas shows that the cylinder (including foot ring) and 
valve are free of defects  as described in 7.3. 
7.1.5 Cylinder is not leaking.  
 
7.2 Cylinders to be peri odically inspected  
When at least one of the following conditions applies, cylinders shall be set aside for periodic 
inspection in  accordance with clauses 10 to 14: 
7.2.1 Cylinder is beyond its test date . 
7.2.2 Cylinder cannot be confirmed to be within its test date . 
7.2.3 Cylinder has markings that are obscured and not easily identified.  
7.3 Cylinders requiring further assessment  
Where the initial segregation checks reveal any of the following defects, cylinders shall be 
subjected to further  assessment, resulting in e.g. taring,  reconditioning or rejection, in 
accordance with Clause 7.4: 
7.3.1 Tare mass or indication of tare mass is missing or illegible . 
7.3.2 Cylinder is defective or damaged, e.g. there is damage to shrouds, carrying handles or 
foot rings, or the  cylinder is dented or fire -damaged . 
7.3.3 Cylinder is found to have visible corrosion or, with cylinders with a welded foot ring, 
to exhibit corrosion  at the weld . 
7.3.4 Cylinder , valve or pressure relief devices (if fitted) are leaking or are damaged.  
 
 
 OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
4 
 7.4 REASSESSMENT OF CYLINDERS  
7.4.1 Cylinders tha t have been set aside (see 7.3) shall be examined by a competent person 
who shall decide whether they are suitable for filling or shall be sent for reconditioning 
or rejected.  
7.4.2 Where  the tare mass or indication of tare mass is missing or illegible, the cyli nders 
shall be reassessed and have the tare mass or indication of the tare mass applied in 
accordance with the relevant marking requirements.  
7.4.3 Leaking cylinders and cylinders with damaged or leaking valves shall be safely vented. 
Leaking or damaged valves s hall be repaired or replaced. Cylinder weld leaks shall be 
repaired as authorized by the competent authority. For cylinders leaking through the 
body other than at a weld, the cause of the leak shall be determined; such cylinders 
shall then be rejected.  
7.4.4 Rejection criteria guidelines for physical and material defects on the cylinder shell are 
given in Tables 1, 2 and 3.  
 
Table 1 — Physical defects in the cylinder wall  
 
Defect  Description  Rejection limit  
Bulge  Visible swelling of the 
cylinder  Rejection in all  cases  
Dent  A depression in the 
cylinder that has neither 
penetrated nor removed 
metal, and its width at any 
point is greater than  2% of 
the external cylinder 
diameter  When the depth of the dent 
exceeds  25% of its width 
at any point * 
Cut or gouge  A sharp  impression where 
metal has been removed or 
redistributed  Where the original 
calculated wall thickness is 
known: where depth of cut 
or gouge is such that the 
undamaged (remaining) 
wall is less than the 
minimum calculated wall 
thickness  
Where the original 
calculated wall thickness is 
not known: rejection in all 
cases  
Intersecting cut or gouge  The point of intersection of 
two or more cuts or gouges  Rejection in all cases  
Dent containing cut or 
gouge  A depression in the 
cylinder within which 
there is a cut or gouge  When the size of the dent 
or cut or gouge exceeds the 
dimensions for rejection as 
an individual defect  
Crack  A split or rift in the Rejection in all cases  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
5 
 cylinder shell  
Lamination  Layering of the material 
within the cylinder wall 
appearing as a  
discontinuity, crack, lap or 
bulge at the surface  Rejection in all cases  
* Consideration of appearance and location also plays a part in the evaluation of dents.  
 
Table 2 — Corrosion on the cylinder wall  
Defect  Description  Rejection limit  
Isolated corro sion 
pits Pitting of metal occurring 
in isolated areas at a 
concentration not greater 
than per of surface area 1 
pit per 500 mm2  of 
surface area  When the depth of discrete pits 
exceeds 0.6 mm (a greater depth can 
be accepted provided the depth of 
corrosio n does not reduce the wall 
thickness below the minimum 
calculated wall thickness)  
Area corrosion  Reduction in wall 
thickness over an area not 
exceeding 20 % of the 
cylinder surface, including 
the ends (top and bottom)  When the depth of penetration of any  
pit exceeds 0 .4 mm (a greater depth 
can be accepted provided the depth 
of corrosion does not reduce the wall 
thickness below the minimum 
calculated wall thickness)  
General corrosion  A reduction in wall 
thickness over an area 
exceeding 20 % of the 
cylinde r surface  When the depth of penetration of any 
pit exceeds 0 .2 mm (a greater depth 
can be accepted provided the depth 
of corrosion does not reduce the wall 
thickness below the minimum 
calculated wall thickness)  
Chain pitting or line 
or channel 
corrosion  A series of pits or 
corroded cavities of 
limited width along the 
length or around the 
corrosion circumference  1) When the total length of corrosion 
in any direction exceeds 50 % of the 
circumference of the cylinder  
2) When the depth of penetration 
exceeds  0.4 mm (a greater depth can 
be accepted provided the depth of 
corrosion does not reduce the wall 
thickness below the minimum 
calculated wall thickness)  
3) When the depth of corrosion 
cannot be measured  
 
Crevice corrosion  Crevice corrosion occurs 
in the ar ea of the 
intersection of the foot 
ring or shroud with the 
cylinder  When the depth of penetration 
exceeds 0 .4 mm or when the depth of 
corrosion cannot be measured  
 
 
 
 OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
6 
 Table 3 — Other defects  
Defect  Description  Rejection limit  
Depressed 
bung  Damage to the  bung which 
has altered the profile of the 
cylinder  Rejection in all cases, or a limited 
level of depression/alignment 
deviation may be accepted as agreed 
with the authority . 
Arc or torch 
burns  Burning of the cylinder base 
metal, a hardened heat -
affected zone, the addition 
of extraneous weld metal, or 
the removal of metal by 
scarfing or cratering  Rejection in all cases  
Fire damage*  Excessive general or 
localized heating of a 
cylinder, usually indicated 
by: — charring or burning 
of paint — fire damage of 
the metal — distortion of 
the cylinder — melting of 
metallic valve parts — 
melting of any plastic 
components, e.g. date ring, 
plug or cap  Rejection in all cases  
* If paint is only superficially charred, a cylinder may be accepted by a competent 
person.  
 
 
 
8 FILLING CYLINDERS WITH GAS  
 The following requirements shall be taken into consideration before filling cylinders 
with gas:  
8.1 Only cylinders deemed suitable for filling according to  item (7) shall be passed to filling 
place.  
8.2 The filling shall be carried out  within a fenced area.  The fence shall be at least 2.50 m 
high.  The building or fenced area shall have at least two exits.  Doors shall open 
outwards, shall have easy to open locks and shall not be of the self locking type, and 
shall be capable of being opened, readily from the inside.  
8.3 Cylinders may be evacuated, at the discretion of the filling authority, so that its internal 
pressure becomes 80 kPa (0.8 atm); to minimize gas ratio remaining inside.  
8.4 The empty cylinder with the gas connections shall be we ighed on a suitable balance and 
the weight approximated to the nearest lower division of the scale.  
8.5 In the case of filling the gas manually, the flow of gas shall be reduced before the 
required weight is reached, and shut off when this weight is reached.  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
7 
 8.6 The threaded gas outlet of the valve shall be fitted with a tight cap which is only 
removed at the time of use.  
8.7 Each filled cylinder shall be tested to ensure that there is no gas leakage.  After closing 
the valve tightly, each filled cylinder shall be test ed for valve leakage by a suitable 
means.  
8.8 Each filled cylinder showing no gas leakage shall be weighed, and one cylinder per hour 
from each balance shall be set aside for recheck of its weight.  
8.9 Cylinders showing any gas leakage shall be set aside for repai r or destruction  
8.10 Test weighing scales shall be calibrated annually by concerned authorities.  Accuracy of 
the scales used in filling shall be daily checked or once per each shift by the filling 
authority.  
 
9 INTERVALS BETWEEN PERIODIC INSPECTIONS  
When the co nditions of Annex A are fully met,  The interval between periodic inspection shall 
be: 
9.1 15 years from the manufacturing date.  
9.2 every 10 years after the first periodic inspection.  
If any of the conditions specified in Annex A are not met a 5 years -from manuf acturing date - 
time interval shall be apply.  
 
10 Procedures for periodic inspection  
10.1 General  
The determination of the periodic inspection procedures shall be dependent on the content of a 
written procedure made  by the periodic inspection  station and  approved by the authority . 
10.2 Test procedures  
In all cases, periodic inspection procedures shall consist of an external visual inspection as 
given in  10.3 and hydraulic  proof pressure test (see 10.4). 
10.3 External visual inspection  
10.3.1 Preparation for external visual inspecti on (see also Annex B)  
Where the cylinder surface has loose coatings, corrosion products, tar, oil or other foreign 
matter, these shall be  removed by steel wire brushing, shot blasting in accordance with ISO 
8504 -2, water jet abrasive cleaning,  chemical cle aning or other suitable methods.  
Care shall be taken to avoid damaging the cylinder.  
Cylinders treated by a process that may remove cylinder material shall be checked by a 
suitable means, e.g. a  thickness check.  
10.3.2 Inspection procedure  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
8 
 The entire surface of t he cylinder shall be inspected by a competent person for:  
a) dents, cuts, gouges, bulges, cracks, laminations or punctures, applying the guidelines for 
rejection in  Table 1 . 
b) corrosion, giving special attention to areas where water can be trapped, at the  base of the 
cylinder, the  junction between the body and the foot ring, the junction between the body and 
the valve guard or shroud,  and in particular hidden corrosion (e.g. behind the data plate), 
applying the criteria for rejection given in  Table 2 . 
c) other defects (e.g. depressed bung or fire damage), applying the criteria for rejection given 
in Table 3 . 
d) the integrity of all permanent attachments.  
Any cylinder rejected by the competent person shall be segregated for reconditioning, for 
further testin g or to be  rendered unserviceable (see Clause 7). 
NOTE : to rend er unserviceable means to scrap the cylinder in accordance  with clause 13.  
 
10.4 Hydraulic proof pressure test  
10.4.1 General  
A liquid shall be used as the test medium, e.g. water or kerosene.  
10.4.2 Preparation of cylinders  
 
The cylinders shall be emptied of any liquid and depressurized in a safe and controlled manner 
before proceeding. Cylinders with inoperative or blocked valves shall be brought to a place for 
safe valve removal (see Annex C).  
Valves shall be r emoved from cylinders for inspection and maintenance.  
If the cylinder was  externally  cleaned (see 10.3.1) and the cleaning method involved wetting 
the outside surface, the  outside surface shall be completely dried before commencing the test 
procedure.  
10.4.3 Test equipment  
All rigid pipework, flexible tubing, valves, fittings and other components forming the pressure 
system of the test  equipment shall be designed to withstand a pressure of 1 .5 times the 
maximum test pressure of any cylinders  to be tested. Flexible  tubing shall have characteristics 
that prevent kinking.  
Pressure gauges that are used to read the cylinder test pressure shall be in accordance with EN 
837-1 and  EN 837 -3 (class 1.6 or better). They shall be calibrated or checked for accuracy 
against a ma ster gauge at  regular intervals and in any case not less frequently than once a 
month. The master gauge shall be recalibrated  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
9 
 in accordance with national requirements. The design and installation of the equipment and 
the cylinders  connected to it shall ens ure that no air is trapped in the system.  
All joints within the system shall be leak proof . 
A device shall be fitted to the test equipment to ensure that no cylinder is subjected to pressure 
in excess of its  test pressure by more than the tolerance given i n 10.4.4 d ). 
10.4.4 Procedure  
a) The pressure of the test shall be established from the test pressure marking on the cylinder.  
Note: More than one cylinder may be tested at a time provided they all have the same test 
pressure.  
b) Before applying pressure, the ext ernal surface of the cylinder shall be in such condition that 
any leak can be  detected. The cylinder shall be positioned so the welds are visible during the 
test. 
c) The pressure shall be increased gradually in the cylinder until the test pressure is reach ed. 
Then the  cylinder shall be isolated from the pumping system.  
d) The test pressure shall not be exceeded by more than 10% or 2 bar , whichever is the lesser.  
e) The test pressure shall be held for at least 30 seconds to carry out the test  and recertify t he 
cylinder for further use . 
f) If there is a leakage in the pressure system, it shall be corrected and the cylinders retested.  
g) Cylinders that do not leak or show any visible permanent distortion shall be deemed to have 
satisfied the requirements of the  hydraulic test.  
h) Any cylinders that fail shall be rejected. Rejected cylinders having a pinhole leak at the 
weld may be repaired . However . Cylinders that leak through pinholes at the weld should be 
rendered unserviceable or  examined by a competent perso n to determine whether they can be 
repaired by welding. Any welding or repairing should be carried out in accordance with a 
written procedure made by the periodic inspection  station and  approved by the authority . 
All repaired cylinders shall as a minimum b e subjected to the procedures from a) to h) above. 
All repaired cylinders which fail a second time shall be rendered unserviceable.  
 
11 Inspection of cylinder threads  
11.1 General  
If the valve (or any other fitting) is removed during periodic inspection, the cylin der threads 
shall be inspected in accordance with 11.2 to 11.4. 
11.2 Internal threads  
The internal threads of the cylinder shall be visually examined to ensure that they are of 
adequate form and are clean. They shall be checked for burrs, cracks and other threa d damage.  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
10 
 11.3 External threads  
External neck threads which are required for operational reasons shall be examined for 
integrity and for thread damage.  
11.4 Damaged threads  
Where necessary and where the design permits, damaged threads may be repaired by a 
competent person.  
 
12 Final operations  
12.1 Drying  
After hydraulic testing, effective precautions shall be taken to prevent internal corrosion.  
12.2 Purging  
Air should be removed from the cylinder, e.g. by evacuation or by displacement with LPG. 
Cylinders should not be left open  without valves or plugs for any period other than that 
required for essential maintenance.  
12.3 Tare mass  
The tare mass of the cylinder shall be re -established if any modification or re -valving has been 
made on the cyli nder . 
12.4 Valving  
A valve suitable for the i ntended use shall be fitted to the cylinder using a sealing 
material/system (see ISO 13341 for details) and the optimum torque necessary to ensure a seal 
between the valve and the cylinder.  
The torque applied shall take into consideration the size, form an d taper of the threads, the 
material of the valve and the type of sealing material/system used.  
Testing and specifications of valves shall be in accordance with ISO 14245 and ISO 15995.  
12.5 Marking  
After successful completion of the periodic inspection, each c ylinder  protective  collar  shall be 
legibly and durably marked with the following information  (The height of the markings shall 
be at least  4 mm) : 
a) The identification of the test station which carried out the periodic inspection.  
b) The date of the i nspection . 
c) The next periodic inspection date . 
12.6 Reference to next periodic inspection date  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
11 
 The next periodic inspection date shall be identified on the cylinder in accordance with clause 
9 . 
12.7 Identification of contents  
The cylinder contents shall be identified  in accordance with the relevant regulations, e.g. LPG. 
 
 
13 Rendering cylinders unserviceable  
The decision to render a cylinder unserviceable may be taken at any stage. Before rendering 
any cylinder unserviceable, the agreement of the authority  shall be obta ined. 
Prior to taking any of the following actions, ensure that the cylinder is empty (see 10.4.1) and 
degassed.  
The following methods may be employed to render a cylinder unserviceable:  
— by crushing the cylinder using mechanical means . 
— by burning an ir regular hole in the top dome equivalent in area to approximately of the area 
of the top dome or, in the case of a thin -welded cylinder, by piercing in at least three places . 
— by irregular cutting of the neck . 
— by irregular cutting of the cylinder in two or more pieces . 
— by bursting (in a controlled and safe manner).  
14 Records  
The periodic inspection  station  shall maintain records including quality system, inspection 
reports and test data,  calibration data, and reports concerning the qualifications or appro vals of 
the competent persons.  
Inspection reports and test data for cylinders shall be kept and maintained by the competent 
body at least until  the retest date plus 2 years.  
An inspection report or test data can cover one or more cylinders.  
Where reports a re issued for individual cylinders, at least the following information shall be 
available:  
a) Serial number . 
b) Cylinder  mass or tare . 
c) Test pressure, where applicable . 
d) Type  and result of test (pass or fail) . 
e) Retest  date. OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
12 
 f) Identification  of the test station . 
g) Identification  of the competent person . 
h) Details  of any major repairs made to the cylinder by the re -tester . 
i) Cylinder  manufacturer . 
j) Manufacturing  specification . 
k) Water  capacity/size.  
 
15 TRANSPORT OF CYLINDERS FOR DISTRIBUTION PURPOS ES 
 The following requirements shall be fulfilled while  handling and transport ing of 
cylinders:  
15.1 Cylinders shall be vertically and securely mounted during transport so as to minimize the 
possibility of their displacement . vibration and movement relative to each other, during 
transport ing or because of sudden stops, starts or changes of direction of the vehicle. 
Small quantities of cylinders, suitably protected against movement, may be transported 
on platform trucks (pick -ups). For transportation of cylinders  from filling factories to 
local centres of distribution, large platform trucks with installed nesting arrangements for 
cylinders are usually employed. These trucks may carry cylinders in tiers, depending on 
truck construction and size of cylinders involve d. 
15.2 Cylinders shall be handled with care, and not subjected to any shocks or rolling.  
15.3 Vehicles for transportation of cylinders shall fulfill safety requirements as regards 
accessories and performance. The vehicle platform shall be covered with lath boards, and 
shall have side and back constrains permitting free ventilation for cylinders.  It shall also 
be closed in the rear as shown in Fig. ( 1). 
15.4 Cylinders shall not project from the vehicle constraints.  
15.5 The vehicle for transportation of cylinders shall be cle an and free from any flammable 
materials.  
15.6 Cylinders, whether empty or filled, shall not be transported with any other materials.  
15.7 The quantity of cylinders loaded on the vehicle shall not be more than the licensed 
loading capacity of the vehicle, and the ve hicle  speed shall not exceed 60 Km/hr.  
15.8 Cylinders loaded on the vehicle shall not be subjected to direct effect of the engine 
exhaust.  
15.9 The driver and his assistants shall not be allowed to smoke in, on or around the vehicle.  
15.10 Each vehicle assigned for transp ortation of LPG cylinders, shall be at least provided 
with two dry powder fire extinguishers, with 12 kg capacity each.  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
13 
 15.11 Vehicles loaded with filled cylinders shall not be left unattended in places frequented 
by the public, except during the period of loadi ng or unloading of cylinders at 
distribution places.  
15.12 Vehicles loaded with filled or empty cylinders shall not be allowed to enter vehicle  
repairing or maintenance places  (garages)  before the cylinders are completely unloaded 
first. 
16 STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION  PLACES OF CYLINDERS  
 The following shall be met in places assigned for storage and distribution of cylinders:  
16.1 It shall be licensed by the concerned authorities and it shall be assigned only for LPG 
cylinders, and shall be away from the public places like hospitals, schools, filling 
stations, etc. by at least 25 m. Storage of LPG cylinders in residential areas is not 
permitted.  
16.2 It shall not contain any flammable materials.  The use of heaters, cookers or any sources 
of heat is not permitted inside the place . 
16.3 The maximum quantity of gas to be stored in the place shall be not more than 2000 kg. 
This quantity may be increased upon special permission from concerned authorities  
16.4 The location and design of the place shall be such that in case of explosion, it shall  be 
possible for the explosion pressure to be released in the direction which presents 
minimum danger.  
16.5 The location of the place shall be readily accessible and shall facilitate quick removal of 
cylinders.  
16.6 The place shall be single -storeyed and have doors and windows for ventilation and day 
lighting, well dispersed at high and floor levels in the walls.  The area of the openings 
shall not be less than 10% of the combined area of the walls and roof of the place.  The 
area of permanent ventilation openings sh all not be less than 2.5% of the combined area 
of the walls and roof.  
16.7 Ventilation openings shall be covered with a wire mesh to prevent the entry of sparks or 
cigarette ends (stubs). Remaining windows shall be covered with glass of a thickness not 
less tha n 2 mm. Lower windows shall be provided with metallic guards for protection.  
16.8 The height of the base of upper ventilation windows shall not be less than 2.5 metres 
above ground level and the base of the lower ventilation windows shall not be less than 
15 cm  above the ground level. The distance between two adjacent openings shall not 
exceed 2 metres.  
16.9 The place, and all its component parts, shall be manufactured from non -combustible 
materials.  
16.10 The floor of the place shall be of smoothly finished concrete, resi stant to impact and 
fire, and be of suitable height above ground level to facilitate reception and despatch of 
cylinders from the truck platform.  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
14 
 16.11 The place shall have a roof to protect cylinders from rain, sun, etc.  
16.12 The floor shall not contain any drains o r openings.  
16.13 Electrical installations and switches (in the place) shall not be less than two metres 
above the floor level and shall be of explosion -proof design.  
16.14 Electrical lighting lamps shall be of the explosion proof type, shall emit no excessive 
heat an d shall be provided with protective covers.  They shall be fixed on the roof or near 
the upper end of walls.  
16.15 Cylinders shall not be stored on street platforms, or outside the storage place, or below 
ground surface or beside ground drains openings.  
16.16 Cylinder s shall be stacked inside the storage place in rows separated by passages 
permitting easy reach to each cylinder.  
16.17 Cylinders shall be uniformly and vertically arranged with their valves uppermost.  The 
number of cylinders vertically stacked in column shall not exceed 2 cylinders separated 
by a space of at least 200 mm.  
16.18 A place shall be assigned for filled cylinders and another for empty cylinders.  A 
notice indicating this shall be displayed.  
16.19 Portable camping appliances for cooking and lighting shall not be filled inside storage 
places and shall not be filled by unqualified persons.  
16.20 Fire extinguishers of dry powder or carbon dioxide or halogenated hydrocarbons 
(halon) type shall be installed in storage places.  The minimum, number, type and size of 
fire extin guishers shall be according to Table ( 4).  Fire extinguishers shall always be 
available, kept convenient for use and placed outside the store.  
16.21 All fire extinguishers equipment and appliances shall be placed in easily reached fixed 
locations shall be sound and always filled.  
16.22 The storage place shall be marked with a conspicuous sign at its entrance to indicate 
the presence of LPG.  Cautionary notices with the words ―Danger No Smoking‖ in 
Arabic and English languages, written in letters of 50 mm height at leas t, shall be 
displayed.  
 
 OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
15 
  
Table ( 4) 
Quantity of LPG inside the storage/distribution  
place and type, number and capacities  
of fire extinguishers needed.  
 
Quantity of LPG  
inside the storage 
place (Kg)  Number of 
extinguisthers 
(minimum)   
Type  Capacity 
(minim um)  
(Kg)  
    
From 40 up to 200  2 Dry powder or 
halogenated 
hydrocarbon  6 
Over 200 up to 400  2 Dry powder or CO 2 
or halogenated 
hydrocarbon  6 
Over 400 up to 1000  2 Dry powder or  
CO 2 or 12 
And for each 1000  2 Hologenated 
hydrocarbon  6 
    
 
17 AUTHORITIE S EXECUTING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS 
STANDARD  
17.1 Authorities concerned with filling LPG cylinders with respect to requirements to be 
observed during filling, and storage, and in periodic tests and repair of cylinders and all 
the necessary requirements after r eceiving cylinders from the producing factories.  
17.2 Authorities concerned with distribution with as regards the requirements to be observed 
during distribution process.  
17.3 Authorities concerned with inspection on filling places and distribution stores of LPG 
cylinders.  
 OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
16 
 
 
 OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
17 
 Annex A  
(normative)  
Requirements for periodic inspection interval  
 
A.1 General  
For a cylinder to qualify for the time interval  in clause 9.1 and 9.2 , all of the following 
requirements shall be met:  
A.1.1 The cylinder shall be filled in accord ance with the criteria contained i n OS 201:‖ Gas 
Cylinders -Requirements for Filling, Transport, Handling and Storage of Liquefied Petroleum 
Gas Cylinders‖ . 
 
A.1.2  The Bottling gas station  shall send it’s cylinders –for periodic inspection - to a third 
party (periodic inspection test station ) accredited  by authority . The periodic inspection test 
station  shall ensure that the cylinders are tested only under the procedures  stated in OS 201.     
  
A.1.3 The Bottling gas station  shall have a policy  of taking al l necessary measures to ensure 
that cylinders are filled, maintained and tested in accordance  with the OS 201.  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
18 
  
Annex B  
(informative)  
System of protection against external corrosion  
 
When LPG cylinders are found to show signs of serious corrosion but ther e is proof that they 
are fit for further  service, they may be given further protection against corrosion as indicated 
in the following guidelines:  
a) Pretreatment of the cylinders  
The cylinders should first be shot -blasted in accordance with ISO 8504 -2. Th e shot -blasting 
quality should not  be less than grade B Sa 2  1/2 as defined in ISO 8501 -1. 
This quality grade should be applied to the entire surface of the cylinder. Special care should 
be taken with the  base and the foot ring areas to ensure that no trac es of rust remain in hidden 
crevices in the cylinder since these  parts are more susceptible to corrosion.  
After the shot -blasting procedure, it is essential for the success of the protection against 
corrosion to keep the  cylinders in a dry environment unti l the first corrosion protection layer is 
applied.  
b) First corrosion protection coating  
Directly after the shot -blasting process, the cylinders should be coated with the first corrosion 
protection layer. It  is important to make sure that this coating is t horoughly applied to all 
hidden crevices and to the base and foot  ring areas. Such coatings could include zinc -
phosphate -based primers, metallic -zinc sprays, galvanization,  
epoxy -based coatings, etc.  
The resulting coating should be examined by visual inspe ction, especially when it was applied 
by automatic  equipment. If there is any doubt as to whether the first coating has been applied 
satisfactorily, an additional  coating should be applied.  
c) Final coating  
After application of the first coating, a final p aint coating can be applied, when required. 
Before this step, it  should be ensured that the first coating is ready for the next to be applied 
over it.  
NOTE Some protective systems are designed to be applied ―wet on wet‖ and then stoved.  
Various types of pa int are available for this final coating:  
— solvent -free paint (usually water -based) . 
— synthetic enamel with a low solvent content . 
— synthetic enamel with a normal solvent content (not allowed in some countries) . 
— powder coating.  
If the final coating re quires stoving, care must be taken to ensure that the mechanical 
properties of the cylinder  material are not affected.  
d) Cylinders which are not seriously corroded  
For cylinders that are not seriously corroded, it may be sufficient to clean them, e.g. by wire 
brushing, before  applying a corrosion protection system as necessary [see b) and c)].  OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
19 
 Annex C  
(informative)  
Procedure that may be adopted when it is suspected that a cylinder valve  is 
obstructed/blocked  
 
C.1 Check for obstructed/blocked valve  
If ther e is any doubt, when the valve of a gas cylinder is opened, as to whether gas is being 
released or whether  the cylinder may still contain residual gas under pressure, a check or 
checks should be made to establish that  the free passage through the valve is not 
obstructed/blocked.  
The first check is to establish that the total mass of the cylinder is the same as the tare mass 
indicated on the  cylinder. If there is a positive difference, the cylinder may contain either LPG 
or contaminants.  
To rectify this, ine rt gas should be introduced at a pressure up to 2 bar and a check made that 
it discharges.  
C.2 Valve unobstructed/unblocked  
When it has been established that there is no obstruction/blockage to gas flow in the cylinder 
valve, the valve  may be removed.  
C.3 Valve obstructed/blocked  
When a cylinder is found to have an obstructed/blocked gas passage in the valve, the cylinder 
should be set  aside for special attention.  
C.4 General remarks  
These procedures should be carried out only by trained personnel. When the  gas, if any, has 
been released and  the pressure within the cylinder reduced to atmospheric, and provided there 
is no frost or dew on the outside of  the cylinder, the valve may be removed.  
 
 OS STANDA RD OS 201/201 4 
  
 
20 
  
REFERENCES  
 
[1] ISO 13341, Transportable gas cylinders — Fitting of valves to gas cylinders  
[2] ISO 10464;Gas cylinders — Refillable welded steel cylinders for liquefied  petroleum gas 
(LPG) — Periodic inspection and testing  
[3] ISO 10691; Gas cylinders — Refillable weld ed steel cylinders for  liquefied  petroleum gas 
(LPG) — Procedures for checking before,during and after filling  
[4] GSO 118/1989; Requirements For Filling, Transport,  Handling And Storage Of Liquefied   
Petroleum Gas Cylinders