Frameworks containing a number of permanently mounted gas cylinders, (normally called quads) have been used in the offshore industry for many years to transport quantities of compressed gas to and from offshore work sites. Such quads are generally robust and simple to handle.

Accidents have occurred, including a fatality, where one of the wire rope slings of the lifting set caught round the valves fitted directly on the end of the cylinders. On occasions these valves have sheared off, releasing the contents of the cylinder which could be at a pressure up to 300 Bar.

The purpose of this note is to give suitable guidance in relation to the protection of exposed valves, fittings and pipework during transport or movement of the quad while retaining the ready access needed to the individual cylinder valves during routine operations and in emergencies.