Guidance

Commercial and private carriage of oxygen cylinders by road: guidance note number 9 (revision 1)

Published 15 March 2016

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carriage-of-dangerous-goods-guidance-note-9/commercial-and-private-carriage-of-oxygen-cylinders-by-road-guidance-note-number-9-revision-1

Note: This guidance is only intended to answer whether the transport of UN1072 Oxygen Compressed cylinders by road falls within the scope of the regulations. It should therefore not be interpreted as a substitute for the regulations.

(1) The ‘Carriage of dangerous goods and use of transportable pressure equipment regulations 2009 (CDG2009) (as amended) implement ADR (the European agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road) in Great Britain. There are similar requirements in Northern Ireland.

Commercial transport of oxygen cylinders

How much oxygen can I transport commercially in cylinders, before the regulations apply?

(2) If you carry oxygen cylinders (other than for private purposes) the regulations will apply to some extent. UN1072 Oxygen Compressed is assigned to transport category 3, which permits carriage of up to 1,000 litres (measured by the water capacity of the cylinders) with very limited application of ADR.

(3) For such limited loads the main requirements are:

  • carry 2 kg dry powder fire extinguisher or equivalent
  • driver to receive general training and a record to be kept (details in ADR chapter 1.3)
  • stow cylinders properly (ADR 7.5.7)
  • carry in open or ventilated vehicle if feasible. If not, mark the vehicle cargo compartment doors “Warning No Ventilation Open with caution”. Refer to Chapter 7.5.11 additional provision CV 36 of ADR
  • basic duties of the crew (usually only a driver) set out in Chapter 8.3 of ADR.

(4) If more than 1,000 litres is carried then the relevant parts of ADR apply in full. Amongst other things you will need to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor who will be qualified to advise on the full requirements (1.8.3 of ADR).

(5) Further guidance on exemptions is at the Health and Safety Executive website

(6) Advice on the carriage of medical gases in small quantities.

Private carriage of oxygen cylinders

(7) Whilst the carriage of oxygen cylinders by private individuals is not covered by ADR or CDG as they are fully exempt, some simple safety precautions should be taken, such as:

  • do not smoke whilst carrying cylinders
  • check cylinders for obvious signs of leakage, for example hissing sounds
  • keep cylinders out of direct sunlight
  • do not expose cylinders to high temperatures
  • secure the cylinders properly so that they cannot move in transit (some cylinders may be transported horizontally or vertically, however you would need to check with the supplier)

However for a more detailed recommendation on the safe transport of oxygen cylinders refer to the links mentioned towards the end of this guidance note.

Carriage of oxygen cylinders by public transport

By bus

(8) You would need to check with the bus operator in advance as the travel with oxygen policy tends to vary between each bus line.

By rail

(9) There are no set RID regulations for the private carriage of oxygen by rail. As with buses you would need to contact the appropriate train operating company in advance to notify them of your needs and to check their specifications on the various types of equipment that you can or cannot bring aboard.

By air or sea

(10) In some cases airlines may refuse passengers on board their aircraft as they may consider them to be unsafe or unfit to travel. However, you would need to check with the airline or sea ferry in advance to obtain appropriate advise as to whether you would be able to carry your oxygen cylinders on board the aircraft or boat; or alternatively if they would be able to accommodate you.

Note: any restrictions concerning the carriage of oxygen cylinders for private use on public transport will be that of the carrier.

Using oxygen cylinders during carriage, on long and short journeys

(11) When travelling in your own car, you have the freedom to carry your own portable oxygen equipment and to arrange for refills along the way. However, as a safety measure you should only use your oxygen cylinder when the vehicle is stationary and the engine turned off.

(12) For buses or trains, in the event that you should need to use your oxygen cylinder during carriage check with the bus or train operator first. Once starting the journey advise the bus driver or steward (or another appropriate member of staff aboard the bus/train) that you may need to use it during carriage and comply with any additional requirements they impose.

(13) For long journeys, always ensure that you have enough oxygen to last throughout the trip or be able to arrange for refills during ports of call (stop offs). You may also like to check with your oxygen supplier as to whether they can provide you with an oxygen conserving device for long haul trips.

Where can I obtain further information?

Enquiry email address: dgenquiries@vca.gov.uk

Enquiry telephone: 01372 226111

Information on carriage of dangerous goods at the:

Contact

General email: DangerousGoods@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Address: 3/26 GMH, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR

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