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 "In 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.