Final answer:
Containers of flammable gases and oxygen should be stored at least 20 feet apart or separated by a fire-resistant barrier for safety reasons, given the combustible nature of the gases and the role of oxygen in accelerating combustion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When storing fuel gases and oxygen containers, it is crucial to maintain an appropriate distance between them to prevent potential hazards from fires or explosions.
The specifics of how far the containers should be from each other can vary depending on regulations, but as a general safety rule, oxygen cylinders should be stored at least 20 feet away from flammable gas cylinders like hydrogen or acetylene, or separated by a 5-foot high, fire-resistant barrier.
Oxygen, while not flammable, is a strong oxidizer and greatly accelerates the combustion of flammable gases like hydrogen. Therefore, proper storage and handling are essential for safety. Research into fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) running on hydrogen demonstrates the potential for more efficient, nonpolluting transportation, thus highlighting the importance of handling and storing these gases correctly.