This International Standard specifies the requirements for valve protection caps and guards, intended for use with industrial and medical gas cylinders.

It defines tests for checking the mechanical strength and physical properties of the valve protection cap or valve guard.

This International Standard applies to valve protection devices to be fitted to gas cylinders intended for liquefied, dissolved or compressed gases. It excludes protection devices for cylinders with a water capacity of less than 5 l, cylinders for liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) and cylinders whereby the protection device is fixed by means of lugs welded or brazed to the cylinder, or is welded or brazed directly to the cylinder.

This International Standard does not specify all the requirements that may be necessary to enable the valve protection device to be used for lifting the cylinder.