How to Choose the Right Gas Cylinder Rack for Your Lab or Facility
Why Gas Cylinder Racks Are a Must-Have for Safety and Compliance
Compressed gas cylinders are essential in many work environments, but they can be extremely dangerous if not stored properly. A falling or damaged cylinder poses risks ranging from fire and explosion to workplace injury and OSHA violations.
That’s why choosing the right gas cylinder rack isn’t just about organization—it’s about safety, stability, and compliance.
At Karan and Associates, we offer a full line of industrial-grade gas cylinder racks designed to meet OSHA and NFPA guidelines, made right here in the USA.
What to Consider When Choosing a Gas Cylinder Rack
Whether you're outfitting a laboratory, classroom, hospital, or fabrication shop, the right cylinder rack depends on several key factors:
1. Number of Cylinders
We offer configurations from 1-wide to 5-wide and 1–3 rows deep.
- R1X1: Ideal for individual tanks in tight spaces
- R3X2 or R5X3: Best for high-capacity needs in large labs or industrial areas
Each rack is clearly labeled by width and depth (e.g., R3X2 = 3 wide x 2 deep = 6 tanks total).
2. Type of Mounting
- Wall-Mounted: Great for permanent lab setups
- Freestanding: Ideal for flexible layouts or multi-use areas
- Mobile Options: Available for custom applications or specialized handling
Our racks come pre-drilled for secure anchoring to floors or walls, and we offer optional mounting kits to match.
3. Construction & Durability
All racks are fabricated from high-strength steel and finished with a durable powder coat for chemical resistance. Chains are included with every rack for secure restraint—some models may be upgraded with optional straps.
Proudly welded and assembled in California, our designs are made to last.
Product Spotlight: Built-In Safety Features
Every Karan and Associates rack includes:
- Pre-drilled mounting holes for floor/wall anchoring
- Steel construction with powder coat finish
- Safety chains included with every unit
- Optional anchor kits available
- Compact footprint, multiple sizes available
- Short lead times – most racks ship in 2–3 weeks
View our gas cylinder rack collection
Common Use Cases
- Science and STEM classrooms
- Chemical and research laboratories
- Medical gas storage
- Industrial and welding environments
- Cleanroom facilities
Our modular rack system can be tailored to suit your storage requirements and layout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the OSHA requirements for storing gas cylinders?
A: Cylinders must be secured upright at all times to prevent tipping, falling, or rolling. OSHA recommends anchoring to a wall or secured rack with chains or straps placed at 1/3 and 2/3 height of the tank.
Q: Can I mount a gas cylinder rack to drywall?
A: We do not recommend anchoring directly to drywall. Use concrete, steel studs, or wood blocking for a secure connection.
Q: What’s better—chains or straps?
A: Chains are more durable and less prone to wear, which is why we include them as standard. Straps can be used in specialized environments but may degrade faster over time.
Q: How do I know what size rack I need?
A: Count the number of cylinders you need to store and choose a rack that fits your footprint. For example, an R2