Gas Cylinder Regulations (UK)
Refillable gas cylinders are governed by safety regulations covering how they are filled, tested, transported and handled. Here is a plain overview — not legal advice.
In practice
Filled by competent people
Cylinders are filled only when in test and sound, to the correct fill for the gas and cylinder type.
Ownership and condition validated
A reputable supplier checks the cylinder, refuses out-of-test bottles and confirms it is safe to fill.
What the rules require
UK rules require cylinders to be in test and in sound condition to be filled, to be filled only by competent persons, and to be transported and stored safely. That framework is why a reputable supplier runs pre-fill checks, validates ownership and refuses out-of-test cylinders.
- Only in-test, sound cylinders may be refilled.
- Filling must be done competently to the correct fill for the gas and cylinder.
- Transport and storage carry their own safe-handling duties — see our storage regulations guide.
Always check the current official guidance for your specific cylinders and use.
Filling, transport and storage
The duties do not stop at filling. A cylinder is covered from the moment it is filled, through transport, to how it is stored on site — and the responsibility shifts as it moves between hands.
- Filling — competent filler, in-test and sound cylinder, correct fill.
- Transport — cylinders carried secured, upright where required and ventilated.
- Storage — ventilated, segregated by hazard and secured (see storage regulations).
The duties behind the rules
Strip away the jargon and the rules come down to a few principles: only fill cylinders that are in test and sound, fill them competently, and handle, transport and store them safely. For the detail that applies to your specific cylinders and use, work from the current official UK guidance and the cylinder markings rather than a remembered rule.
Getting a cylinder back in test
Check the stamp
Bring the cylinder in or ask at refill — we read the stamped test date to see whether it is still in test or due for revalidation.
Inspect and revalidate
If it is out of test we arrange the periodic inspection and any testing the cylinder needs, carried out to current UK requirements.
Re-stamp and return to use
A cylinder that passes is re-stamped with a new test date and put back into service, so it can be filled again. One that fails is withdrawn.
Frequently asked questions
Who can legally fill a cylinder?
A competent filler, into an in-test, sound cylinder, at the correct fill for the gas and cylinder type.
Do the rules apply to small cylinders too?
Yes — a cylinder must be in test and in sound condition to be filled regardless of size. The required test method and interval can differ by cylinder type and gas.
Where do I find the official guidance?
Work from the current official UK guidance (for example from the HSE) together with the markings on your specific cylinders. We can point you in the right direction, but this page is an overview, not legal advice.
Are storage and transport covered too?
Yes — safe handling, transport and storage carry their own duties. See our storage regulations guide for the storage side.
Not sure if your cylinder is in test?
We check every cylinder before filling, and can arrange retesting if it is out of date. Talk to our team.