OSHA says at 1910.253(b)(3) that “connected for use” (i.e., “in actual use” or “attached ready for use”) means that the regulator on the compressed gas cylinder is installed. In general industry, cylinders are not considered to be in storage when they are either “in use” or “connected for use” and the setup may stay that way for as long as the employer deems necessary.
In construction applications, when work is complete and it is reasonably anticipated that gas will not be drawn from the cylinder within the next 24 hours, the employer must comply with the storage requirements for compressed gases. However, if it is reasonably anticipated that the cylinder will be used within the next 24 hours, the storage requirements need not be met.
