Gas Bottle Trolleys FAQs
Straight answers to the questions people ask most when choosing and using gas bottle trolleys.
Should I choose a single or a twin cylinder trolley?
A single trolley carries one cylinder and is the right choice for shielding gas, or for moving one cylinder around a workshop. A twin trolley carries two, normally an oxygen and a fuel gas cylinder side by side, and is the standard choice for oxy-fuel cutting and welding.
Twin trolleys are heavier and larger, and take more room to turn and store. Pick the type that matches how many cylinders you actually use together, and check that your cylinder sizes fit.
How do I make sure the trolley fits my cylinders?
Cylinders come in several sizes, so check the diameter and height of yours against the trolley's specification. Trolleys are made for full-size cylinders, for smaller ones, or for a particular combination of gases, and a cylinder that is too small for a trolley will not sit or be held securely.
Measure the cylinders you use now and any you may move to later. Check also that the securing chains or straps are long enough and that the base of the trolley is the right size for the cylinder.
Can I move a cylinder on a trolley with the regulator and hoses still fitted?
Follow your site procedure and the advice of your gas supplier, because the right practice depends on the equipment, the distance and the ground. For a short move on a level floor, equipment is often moved with the cylinder valves closed and the hoses and torch secured so they cannot snag or be pulled.
For longer moves, rough ground, steps or vehicles, the usual safe practice is to close the valves, release the pressure and remove the regulator, then fit the valve protection cap where the cylinder has one. Check your gas supplier's guidance and your risk assessment for your own set-up.
How should I move a trolley safely?
Tilt it back gently so the weight is on the wheels, and move it at a walking pace, pushing it ahead of you rather than pulling it. Plan the route first and keep clear of slopes, kerbs, steps and uneven ground.
A loaded twin trolley is heavy, so use the handle, keep your back straight, and get help or use a suitable lifting aid for steps and vehicles. Manual handling risks should form part of your risk assessment, and the HSE publishes general guidance on safe handling.