Abstract: The invention is directed to a protective and/or handling cover (2; 102) for a tap (26; 126) of a gas cylinder assembly (22; 122), said cover comprising a housing (4; 104) for receiving the tap (26; 126); a first handle (6; 106) located at the top of the housing (4; 104); and a second handle (8; 108) located on a rear face (28; 128) of the housing (4; 104), for handling the gas cylinder assembly (22; 122), said handle comprising a rod (8.1; 108.1) forming with a portion of the housing (4; 104) a slot (30; 130) so that said rod can be grasped and encircled through said slot by the fingers of an operator. The portion of the housing forming the slot (30; 130) forms a smooth and continuous surface (32; 132) that extends vertically so as to from a resting surface for the operator's hand.