A device for supplying a shielding gas to a welding torch, the device including a cylinder 1 for holding the shielding gas, a valve operatively connected to the cylinder for selectively permitting flow of gas from the cylinder, a regulator for controlling the pressure of the gas flow from the cylinder, and a guard assembly 2 coupled to the cylinder 1 and adapted to protect the valve and regulator from external forces, wherein a flow meter 4 incorporated into the guard assembly 2, the flow meter being adapted to receive the nozzle 5 of a welding torch and measure the flow rate of the gas therein.