COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDER SAFETY

Many industrial and laboratory operation require the use of compressed gases for a variety of different operations, compressed gases present a unique hazard. depending  on the particular gas, there is a potential for simultaneous exposure to both mechanical and chemical hazards..

Gases may be :

• Flammable or combustible
• Explosive
• Corrosive
• Poisonous
• Inert

Or a combination of hazards

Since the gases are contained in heavy highly pressurized metal containers the large amount of potential energy resulting from compression of the gas makes the cylinder a potential rocket of fragmentation bomb

CLASSIFICATION OF GAS CYLINDERS

• Flammable gasses
• Oxygen and oxidizing gases
• Acid and alkaline gases
• Highly toxic gases
• Cryogenic liquefied gases
• Inert gases

SEGREGATION OF GAS CYLINDERS

Flammables (methane, propane, hydrogen)

Reactive (acetylene, vinyl chloride, tetrafluoroethylene)

Oxidizers (hydrazine, hydrogen)

Corrosives (ammonia, methylamine, chlorine)

Oxygen and nitrous oxide cylinders must be separated from flammables by minimum of 20 feet

IDENTIFICATION OF CONTENTS OF GAS CYLINDERS

• Clearly label all cylinders
• Labels should be durable
• Do not accept cylinders that are not clearly labeled
• Color coding is not reliable means of identification ( cylinders color vary from supplier to supplier)
• If cylinder contents cannot be identified :
• --- Mark as “content unknown”
• ---contact the manufacturer

TRANSPORTATION GAS CYLINDERS

• A cylinder cart should always be used
• Do not roll drag or slide cylinders
• Transport art cylinders with valve caps
• Do not lift cylinders by the cap
• Do not transport with the regulator attached
• Cylinders must be fastened securely in upright position

STORAGE OF COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS

• Properly secure at all times
• Straps, belt, or chains
• Keep valve caps on unless the cylinder is being used
• Store in a well ventilated area
• Keep away from heat or ignition sources
• Keep away from electrical circuits
• Segregate oxygen cylinders (empty or full) from fuel gas cylinders and combustible materials 20 feet minimum distance
• Segregate full and empty cylinders
• Label empty cylinders to prevent confusion
• Empty cylinders should be returned to central receiving/vendor

USE OF COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS

• Always use the proper regulator for the gas in the cylinder
• Do not allow oil or grease to come in contact with cylinders or valves
• Attach the regulator securely before opening the valve
• Open the cylinder valves slowly stand to the side of regulator when opening valve
• Do not attempt to cylinder valves while a cylinder contains gas pressure

THINGS NOT TO DO

• Never roll a cylinder to move it
• Never carry a cylinder by the valve
• Never leave an open cylinder unattended
• Never leave a cylinder unsecured
• Never refill a cylinder
• Never use a flame to locate gas leaks
• Never attempt to mix gasses in a cylinder

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Always wear eye protection when working with compressed gases
• Only use regulators that have both high and low pressure gauges
• Never refill a cylinder or use a cylinder for storing any material
• The greatest hazard to user of compressed gases is asphyxiation
• Remember, except for oxygen and air every gases is an ASPHYXIANT