In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about calibration gas cylinders.

Q:  Are there any storage requirements for full, small calibration gas cylinders? The tanks are secure in that they are in holders, but they are stored under a shelf in a workstation where the machine that uses them is set up. They normally have about four to six small cylinders.

A: Yes, there are requirements for small calibration gas cylinders, but it sounds like you have it covered. NFPA 99 (2005 edition) requires all medical compressed gas containers to be properly secured and to separate full cylinders from empty cylinders. Now, compressed gas used for calibration may or may not be required to comply with NFPA 99, based on the interpretation by the authority surveying your facility. But since there are multiple authorities that survey your facility, it is best to be conservative and treat calibration gas cylinders the same as medical gas cylinders.

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