Summary Statement

OSHA requires securing compressed gas bottles on a construction site with caps firmly in place, like these oxygen bottles at a site in Washington, D.C. If an unsecured and uncapped bottle falls over and breaks the neck, it can become an unguided missile. OSHA also requires that oxygen cylinders in storage be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials by at least 20 feet or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.
2012