How must oxygen and acetylene tanks be stored for safety?

Oxygen and acetylene tanks must be stored vertically with specific spacing to ensure safety due to the nature of the gases they contain. Storing these tanks vertically helps to maintain stability and prevent the risk of tipping over, which can lead to rupturing or releasing gas unexpectedly.

The recommended separation distance of 12 feet is critical because it minimizes the risk of fire and explosion. Acetylene is highly flammable, and its reactions with oxygen can be quite dangerous if a leak occurs. By keeping these tanks apart, there is less chance that an incident involving one tank could potentially affect the other.

This separation also complies with safety regulations and fire codes that are designed to reduce the risk of damage in the event of a fire or explosion. Proper storage practices help ensure that workers and facilities are protected from the inherent dangers associated with handling these gases. Other storage methods, such as placing tanks horizontally or without adequate separation, do not provide the necessary safety precautions.