Safety cabinets or safety lockers are designed to safely store flammable liquids, gases, or other hazardous materials in compliance with regulatory requirements. Flammable liquids and gases are classified based on their inherent qualities. The storage requirements for flammable substances vary depending on the substance’s classification and what kind of container it is kept.

Flammable or hazardous materials contained in safety cans, aerosol containers, or other small containers should be stored in a designated safety storage cabinet. For combustible gases in larger containers—such as gas cylinders—there are separate regulations and storage methods of which facilities should be aware.

To help you find the most suitable storage equipment for your flammable gas cylinders, here is a look at the relevant regulations, the most common violations of those regulations, and the equipment that can help your facility achieve compliance.

OSHA Regulations for the Storage of Flammable Liquids

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910.253(b)(2) outlines the general storage requirements for gas cylinders. Subpart (ii) of this section requires that gas cylinders be stored in a “well-protected,” “well-ventilated,” “dry” location that is at least 20 feet away from any highly combustible materials.

This standard further requires that gas cylinders be kept in an area away from stairways and elevators and in a location where they will not be easily knocked over or damaged by falling materials. Lastly, section (ii) of subpart 2 requires that gas cylinders not be kept in unventilated storage cabinets or lockers.

Common Violations of OSHA Requirements for Gas Cylinders

OSHA publishes an annual report identifying the most frequently cited serious violations in general industry. In its FY2025 report, several violations involving the storage of oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders were among the most frequently cited serious violations under OSHA's welding, cutting, and brazing standards.

Among these were 55 citations related to storing oxygen cylinders away from fuel-gas cylinders, 21 citations involving cylinder storage inside buildings, and 20 citations related to storage near highly combustible materials. These requirements are addressed under OSHA standard 1910.253, which establishes requirements for the storage and handling of oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders.

To help maintain compliance and reduce fire and safety hazards, facilities should follow OSHA's requirements for cylinder separation and storage and use appropriate storage equipment for the gases being stored.

Find the Right Equipment for Your Facility

Gas cylinder storage lockers are specifically designed to safely house multiple gas cylinders in compliance with OSHA and NFPA requirements. These lockers are designed to provide a well-ventilated storage area for gas cylinders to prevent cylinders from being knocked over by traffic or falling debris.

Justrite is the industry leader in workplace safety equipment. To find the gas cylinder storage equipment best suited to your needs, contact a product specialist today.

---

Shop Cylinder Lockers

---

---

---