This regulation establishes physical storage requirements for medical gas cylinders and containers, including construction standards for storage locations, segregation of oxidizing gases from flammables and combustibles, signage requirements, cylinder rotation and inventory management, and weather protection. Facilities must ensure storage areas meet volume-based construction and ventilation thresholds per NFPA 99. These are life-safety and fire-protection standards applicable to healthcare facilities using medical gas cylinders in patient care areas.
View official sourceK923 Gas Equipment – Cylinder and Container Storage ≥ 3,000 cubic feet Storage locations are designed, constructed, and ventilated in accordance with 5.1.3.3.2 and 5.1.3.3.3. > 300 but <3,000 cubic feet Storage locations are outdoors in an enclosure or within an enclosed interior space of non- or limited- combustible construction, with door (or gates outdoors) that can be secured. Oxidizing gases are not stored with flammables, and are separated from combustibles by 20 feet (5 feet if sprinklered) or enclosed in a cabinet of noncombustible construction having a minimum 1/2 hr. fire protection rating. ≤ 300 cubic feet In a single smoke compartment, individual cylinders available for immediate use in patient care areas with an aggregate volume of ≤ 300 cubic feet are not required to be stored in an enclosure. Cylinders must be handled with precautions as specified in 11.6.2. A precautionary sign readable from 5 feet is on each door or gate of a cylinder storage room, where the sign includes the wording as a minimum "CAUTION: OXIDIZING GAS(ES) STORED WITHIN NO SMOKING". Storage is planned so cylinders are used in order of which they are received from the supplier. Empty cylinders are segregated from full cylinders. When facility employs cylinders with integral pressure gauge, a threshold pressure considered empty is established. Empty cylinders are marked to avoid confusion. Cylinders stored in the open are protected from weather. 11.3.1, 11.3.2, 11.3.3, 11.3.4, 11.6.5 (NFPA 99)