Gas cylinder trolleys are specialised gas cylinder lifting aids which are designed to safely lift, restrain and move either one or two compressed gas or high pressure cylinders of varying sizes. Cylinder trolleys come in varying sizes and designs with either solid rubber or pneumatic wheels and safety chains, with clamps or straps to restrain pressurized cylinders during transfer. The trolleys can be made of metal or plastic and may be two, three or four wheeled depending on workplace requirements, size of cylinders used and space requirements.
Specialised gas cylinder trolleys are available with crane or hoist attachments if the cylinder needs to be moved by hoist. Additional equipment has recently been designed to assist with lifting and rotating a gas cylinder to put it into a gas cylinder trolley. These are known as cylinder rotators and can provide additional assistance to maneuver a gas cylinder when required such as for filling, weighing and cleaning the cylinders.
Oxygen cylinder trolleys for medical purposes are available for use with the flat bottomed oxygen cylinders used for the management of respiratory conditions within the home or place of care. They have supply hose and mask hooks, easy loading and cylinder restraint mechanisms and small wheels which can be made of anti-static materials. Specialised trolleys are available for the smaller portable oxygen cylinders with feet for trolley balance and larger wheels for ease of stair and terrain negotiation and feet for trolley balance:
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with respiratory conditions relying on bottled oxygen, the capacity for safe cylinder storage and movement is essential. Cylinder trolleys with restraint capabilities are essential for cylinder storage at home, work or when out and about in the community.
The person's workstation may need to be adapted to accommodate for the use of oxygen therapy equipment:
References
Cox 2011, Drum and Gas Cylinder Trolleys, R.J. Cox Engineering, Sydney, viewed 1 September 2011, http://www.coxengineering.com.au/category/2168/.
Independent Living Centre NSW 2009, Oxycare Oxygen Cylinder Trolley, Independent Living Centre NSW, Parramatta, viewed 1 September 2011, http://www.ilcnsw.asn.au/items/8410.
Materials Handling 2005, Gas Cylinder Handling & Storage, Materials Handling Pty Ltd, Sydney, viewed 1 September 2011, http://www.materialshandling.com.au/c-97-gas-cylinder-handling-storage.aspx.
STS 2010, Powered Cylinder Handling Units, Safety Trolley Systems, Cornwall, viewed 1 September 2011, http://www.sts-trolleys.co.uk/cylinder-handling/powered-units/powered_units.html.