According to OSHA, oxygen and acetylene cylinders in storage must be separated at what minimum distance?

• A. 5 Ft
• B. 10 Ft
• C. 15 Ft
• D. 20 Ft

Answer: (D)

Keeping oxygen and acetylene cylinders apart is about reducing fire risk. Oxygen accelerates ignition and makes materials burn hotter and faster, while acetylene is a highly flammable fuel gas. If a leak from one cylinder occurs near the other, a spark or heat could cause a rapid, dangerous fire. Requiring a minimum separation of 20 feet minimizes the chance that a leak or heat from one cylinder could affect the other, helping prevent a dangerous ignition. (Some regulations allow closer placement if a noncombustible barrier of sufficient height is used, but without relying on such barriers, 20 feet is the standard minimum.)