Accessibility statement

Transportation of vessels within the Department

  • Both pressurised vessels and non-pressurised Dewars are used in the Department; a full 180 litre pressurised vessel can weigh in excess of 300 kg and manual handling injuries can be sustained.

    If vessels are manoeuvred between locations the following must be considered:
    • need for rest stops
    • movement through populated work areas and doors
    • possible obstructions and clutter
    • lifts
    • floor surfaces (are they sound and even?)
    • kerbs
    • stairs (hazardous due to potential for slips and trips which could result in spillages from small hand held Dewars)
    • whether the destination for the gas is ready to accept it
  • Two persons should be used to move large pressurised cylinders, particularly if there is a requirement to move between differing levels using a lift.
  • Only equipment designed for purpose should be used. The 180/240 litre pressurised containers are mounted on wheels and have a movable handle on the front of the vessels for manoeuvring (usually pulling) them. When the handle is deployed it serves to maintain a safe distance between the user and the vessel, if the handle is not used then the vessel could hit the user (likely impact points are the back of ankles), as such extreme care must be taken when approaching doors, gates and the “fence-chicane” on the path between the LN2 compound and the F to H link corridor. A two wheeled handling trolley is available for transporting the 25 litre un-pressurised storage containers and must be used for transporting these containers.