Compressed gases
Compressed gases are commonly used throughout industry, and can also be found in and around the home. By their very nature, compressed gases pose a hazard and need to be handled and stored safely.
Substance Approvals
Single component compressed gases, including LPG, must have their own HSNO approval. To find out what HSNO controls apply, search the
HS controls register and download the relevant substance controls document.
Compressed gas mixtures must be covered by one of the Group Standards for Compressed Gas Mixtures. Refer to the relevant group standard and associated Site and Storage Document for information on the HSNO controls that need to be complied with.
All compressed gases (even non-hazardous gases such as nitrogen) must comply with the relevant sections of the Hazardous Substances (Compressed Gases) Regulations 2004. These regulations cover a range of matters relating to compressed gases, including controls on gas cylinders.
More detailed information about controls on gas cylinders is provided on our controls on gas cylinders and extinguishers page.
In addition, there are a number of generic key HSNO controls
that need to be followed to help you comply with the hazardous substances legislation.
Test certification requirements
Depending on the type and quantity of gases held at your site, you may require one of the following test certificates:
a location test certificate for your premises if you are storing large quantities of flammable or oxidising gases, whether contained in cylinders or a bulk storage tank
an approved handler test certificate for employees handling certain highly hazardous chemicals
a stationary container test certificate.
If you are unsure about your test certification requirements, contact a test certifier for advice.
As a general rule, you should keep the
quantities of hazardous substances stored on your site to a minimum. In
this way the risks may be reduced and the need for test certification
reduced.
Codes of Practice
Codes of Practice are an
approved means of complying with the legislation. They are designed to
provide guidance on how to eliminate or minimise the risk associated with hazardous substances.
The following completed codes of practice are relevant to compressed gases:
Enforcement
The Department of Labour is responsible for HSNO enforcement in
workplaces. You can contact the Department of Labour on 0800 20 90 20.
Envirostep
If you are uncertain about your level of
compliance, try using Envirostep. Envirostep is a free online tool
developed by the Ministry of Economic Development to help small to
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) improve their environmental
performance. Go to the hazardous substances module to check out your
level of compliance and develop an action plan to help you comply.