Q&A: Storing a single oxygen cylinder in a dental clinic

Q: We have a dental clinic that has an E size O2 tank in a wheeled cart. According to NFPA 99 this is not considered "storage." Are there any requirements for where they can keep it? They currently keep it in their break room.

A: Well…. I believe whether or not the tank is in storage would be a matter of interpretation. If it is not connected to a transport device (i.e. wheelchair, gurney) or a piece of medical equipment (i.e. ventilator), I would say it is in storage. However, you could have up to 12 ‘E’ size compressed medical gas cylinders per compartment before there are any specific storage requirements. So a single cylinder of O2 stored and secured to the 2-wheel cart in the corner of the nurse station would not be a problem. Just make sure it is properly secured to the wheeled cart, and it does not obstruct the required path of egress.

Brad Keyes, CHSP, is the owner of KEYES Life Safety Compliance, and his expertise is in the management of the Life Safety Program, including the Environment of Care and Emergency Management programs