Gas Cylinders on EBAY

Concerns that cylinders may not be in the hands of their rightful owners, may not be ‘in test’ or otherwise be in good condition and may contain hazardous gas residues, BCGA is concerned about trade of gas cylinders through internet trading sites, newspaper classified sections and even corner shop windows!Such trade bi-passes the usual provision of Safety data etc and perpetuates the problems which can arise when gas cylinders are in the hands of the unskilled and untrained – problems relating to unsuitable and sometimes illegal storage, transportation and use, EBAY is by far and away the largest internet trading site and, since August ’07 and following representations from BCGA, EBAY has kindly agreed to ‘ban’ six gases from their site.  We are very grateful to EBAY for their helpful response.Details of EBAY’s revised policy on hazardous goods can be seen via the site but the six banned gases are :-Acetylene; Chlorine; Sulphur Dioxide; Ammonia; Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide.

If you spot these or other gases being traded in ways which concern you, please do not assume we already know about it, but report it to the BCGA office and we will investigate.                                         

Doug Thornton – September 07