03 Oct Compressed Gas Cylinder (CGC) Safety

Compressed Gas Cylinder (CGC) Safety

Compressed and liquefied gas cylinders are commonly used to store gases for industrial and construction operations. Because cylinders contain material under high pressure, improper handling, storage, or use can result in serious injury, fire, explosion, chemical exposure, or asphyxiation.

Understand the Hazards

Compressed gas cylinders present two primary types of hazards:

Physical hazards: A damaged cylinder, broken valve, or uncontrolled release can allow pressurized gas to escape violently. A cylinder with a broken valve can become an uncontrolled projectile capable of causing severe injury and significant property damage.

Chemical hazards: Cylinder contents may be:

• Flammable;
• Oxidizing;
• Corrosive;
• Toxic or poisonous;
• Cryogenic;
• Reactive; or
• Inert.

Even a nonflammable, nontoxic gas can be dangerous if released in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area because it may displace oxygen and create an asphyxiation hazard.

Know What Is in the Cylinder

Before using a compressed gas cylinder:

• Receive training on its hazards and safe handling.
• Read the cylinder label.
• Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the gas.
• Understand required PPE, exposure hazards, emergency procedures, and first-aid measures.
• Verify that the cylinder and regulator are appropriate for the intended application.

Never identify cylinder contents by color alone. Cylinder colors are not a reliable or universally standardized means of identifying contents.

Do not use an unlabeled cylinder or a cylinder whose contents cannot be positively identified.

Inspect Cylinders Before Use

Before handling or connecting a cylinder, inspect it for:

• Dents, gouges, or other physical damage;
• Severe rust or corrosion;
• Damaged valves or threads;
• Evidence of leakage;
• Missing or illegible labels; and
• Other conditions that could affect safe operation.

Do not attempt to repair a cylinder, valve, or pressure-relief device yourself. Remove defective cylinders from service and contact the supplier.

Store Cylinders Safely

Compressed gas cylinders must be stored so they cannot fall, tip, roll, or be damaged.

• Store cylinders upright unless specifically designed for another orientation.
• Secure cylinders with chains, straps, racks, or other suitable restraints.
• Keep valve-protection caps in place when cylinders are not connected for use.
• Store cylinders in dry, well-ventilated locations.
• Protect cylinders from excessive heat, flames, sparks, and physical damage.
• Keep cylinders away from electrical circuits and other potential ignition sources when applicable.
• Separate incompatible gases as required.
• Protect storage areas from vehicle and equipment traffic.
• Keep access to cylinders unobstructed.
• Follow applicable requirements for separation of oxygen cylinders from fuel-gas cylinders and combustible materials.

Full and empty cylinders should be identified and organized to prevent confusion. Close the valve on empty cylinders and install the protective cap when provided.

Move Cylinders Properly

Never drag, slide, or intentionally drop compressed gas cylinders.

When moving cylinders:

• Close the cylinder valve.
• Remove regulators when required for transport.
• Install the valve-protection cap.
• Use an approved cylinder cart, hand truck, or other suitable handling device.
• Secure the cylinder to the cart before moving it.
• Keep cylinders from striking one another.
• Maintain control of the cylinder throughout movement.

Never lift a cylinder by its valve, valve-protection cap, or regulator.

Regulators and Connections

Use only regulators, fittings, hoses, and connections designed and approved for the specific gas and service involved.

• Inspect regulators and connections before use.
• Never force incompatible fittings together.
• Never modify cylinder valves, regulators, fittings, or pressure-relief devices.
• Do not use adapters or makeshift connections unless specifically approved for the application.
• Keep oil and grease away from oxygen cylinders, valves, regulators, and fittings.
• Position cylinders so the valve remains accessible.

Never attempt to refill or transfer gas between cylinders unless specifically trained, authorized, and equipped to perform that operation.

Opening and Using Cylinders

When placing a cylinder into service:

1. Secure the cylinder.
2. Verify the correct regulator and connections.
3. Make sure the regulator adjusting mechanism is properly positioned before opening the cylinder, as required by the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Stand to the side of the regulator—not directly in front of it.
5. Open the cylinder valve slowly and carefully.
6. Check connections for leaks using an approved method appropriate for the gas.
7. Maintain the cylinder in a secure position while in use.

Never use excessive force to open or close a cylinder valve.

When work is completed, close the cylinder valve and relieve pressure from the connected equipment as appropriate.

Leaking Cylinders

If a cylinder is suspected of leaking:

• Keep personnel away from the affected area.
• Eliminate ignition sources when safe and appropriate.
• Increase ventilation when it can be done safely.
• Do not attempt an unsafe repair.
• Notify the supervisor and follow the SDS, emergency procedures, and supplier instructions.
• Evacuate the area when the gas or extent of the release presents an immediate danger.

Never enter an oxygen-deficient or potentially toxic atmosphere to investigate a leak unless specifically trained, authorized, and properly equipped.

Remember

Compressed gas cylinders must always be treated as pressurized hazardous-energy sources. Know the contents, inspect before use, secure cylinders properly, use the correct regulator and fittings, protect valves, and follow established procedures.

A cylinder may look harmless, but damage to the cylinder or valve can quickly create a life-threatening emergency.