Guidance

Transporting cylinders of compressed oxygen

Updated 17 September 2024

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.

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG2009) (as amended) implements the contents of the ADR Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road in Great Britain. The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 (CDG 2010) (as amended) implements the contents of the ADR Agreement in Northern Ireland.

Commercial transport of oxygen cylinders

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

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) without the application of certain provisions of ADR (1.1.3.6.2).

For loads where the mandated maximum total quantity per transport unit is not exceeded (1.1.3.6), the main requirements are as follows:

• carry 2 kg dry powder fire extinguisher or equivalent capacity for any other suitable extinguishing agent
• driver to receive mandated training (ADR chapter 1.3) – records of training received is kept by the employer
• requirements to be complied with by the driver/crew (ADR 8.2.3)
• any portable lighting apparatus that is used shall not exhibit any metal surfaces liable to produce sparks (ADR 8.3.4)
• prohibition on smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, within the vicinity of and in the vehicle (ADR 8.3.5)
• supervision of vehicles (ADR chapter 8.4 and applicable special provisions outlined within chapter 8.5)
• cylinders shall be stowed and secured as per special provisions CV9 and CV10 of ADR (7.5.11)
• cylinders should not be stowed or carried in the passenger footwell of any vehicle, whether that be a van or a car
• carry in open or ventilated vehicle if feasible. If not, mark the vehicle cargo compartment doors ‘warning no ventilation open with caution’ – chapter 7.5.11 additional provision CV 36 of ADR

If more than 1,000 litres are transported at any one time, the transport will come under the full guidance of ADR. For example, you are required to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) who will be qualified to advise on the full requirements (see ADR 1.8.3), whether that individual is a direct employee of the company or through the engagement of a qualified consultant.

Further guidance on exemptions is at the Health and Safety Executive website.

See the British Compressed Gas Association (BCGA) (CP 50) for more information, including guidance on carrying cylinders in its code of practice.

Private carriage of oxygen cylinders

While ADR or CDG does not cover the carriage of oxygen cylinders by private individuals as they are fully exempt, some safety precautions should be taken. Examples include:

• do not smoke, use or charge electronic cigarettes or other portable electronic devices in the vicinity of and in the vehicle while carrying oxygen cylinders
• check cylinders for obvious signs of leakage, for example, a hissing sound
• 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)
• if you need to leave oxygen equipment in a vehicle, make sure it is out of sight – see BCGA medical gases, medical oxygen in a vehicle (leaflet 13) for more information

Transport of oxygen cylinders by public transport

Bus, taxi or private hire vehicle

You would need to check with the individual transport provider in advance as policies on carriage and use of compressed oxygen may vary.

Rail

As with the other public transport providers, you would need to contact the appropriate train operating company.

This includes, where applicable, the Eurotunnel 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 on board.

Air or sea

You will need to contact the airline or cruise/ferry operator well in advance of the date of travel to notify the operator about your requirement to carry cylinder(s) of compressed oxygen. You will also need to obtain the operators’ permission should you need to use the contents of the cylinder(s). 

You will need to follow any conditions set out by the airline or vessel owner/operator. Airlines may refuse passengers to board an aircraft if the appointed airline representative considers a passenger is ‘not fit to travel’.

Note: any restrictions concerning the carriage of oxygen cylinders for private use on public transport will be those imposed by the operator/owner. Or as in the case of carriage by air, any restrictions as imposed by the country of departure and/or by the country of arrival.

Use of cylinders of compressed oxygen during carriage

Short journeys

When travelling in your own car, you have the freedom to carry your own portable oxygen equipment. Either carry sufficient additional cylinders or arrange to collect additional cylinders en route. It is safer to use your oxygen cylinder when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is turned off. If you need to use it for medical reasons while the vehicle is moving, you may do so.

When travelling on public transport, in the event you need to use your oxygen cylinder during carriage, check with the service provider before travelling. Upon boarding advise the driver/steward (or another appropriate member of staff aboard the vehicle/train) that you may need to use the cylinder during carriage and comply with any additional requirements they impose.

Long journeys

For long journeys, always ensure that you have enough oxygen to last the entire duration of the trip and take into consideration any unforeseen delays. Alternatively, arrange for the collection of additional cylinders 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.

Anyone who is transporting cylinders of oxygen compressed must be made aware of the physical hazards of oxygen compressed – a non-flammable non-toxic gas with a subsidiary hazard of being an oxidising agent – and what is required should there be an incident involving a cylinder containing oxygen compressed. For example, the formation of an oxygen-rich atmosphere, within a confined space.

Security precaution

if it is necessary to leave oxygen equipment in an unattended vehicle, position it out of sight away from the sight of opportunist thieves, who have been known to steal cylinders and oxygen equipment.

See the BCGA medical gases - medical oxygen (leaflet 13) for more information.

Disposal

You should inform your healthcare professional about cylinders that are out of date, empty or no longer needed. These professionals will liaise with the oxygen supplier to remove the cylinder for repurposing or disposal.

Alternatively, see the BCGA cylinder recovery and disposal page for more information.

Carriage of medical gases in cylinders used by emergency services

Nurses, Nursing Associates, Paramedic staff and other emergency first responders such as Fire and Police services, carry cylinders containing compressed oxygen.

In the case of the ambulance and the police service, cylinders are carried and contain a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide in ambulance vehicles. In these cases, the cylinder is likely to form part of a ‘ready to use’ set that includes a regulator, hose and mask.

The guidance of the UK competent authority says the carriage comes under the exemption in 1.1.3.1 (e) of ADR, as the carriage of the gas is not primarily a transport of a dangerous good: it is intended to save human lives or protect the environment. However, measures must be taken to prevent any leakage of contents during normal conditions of carriage.

Further information

Enquiry email: dgenquiries@vca.gov.uk.

Enquiry telephone: 01372 226111

Further information on the carriage of dangerous goods can be found on the following websites:

• Health and Safety Executive
• BCGA, transport matters
• BCGA, medical gases
• Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR)
• Eurotunnel dangerous goods policy
• the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) dangerous goods regulations – refer to the latest version
• International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG)

Contact

General email: dangerousgoods@dft.gov.uk