Compressed gas cylinder safety is an important part of laboratory safety because cylinders can present several hazards at the same time. A compressed gas may be flammable, oxidizing, toxic, corrosive, reactive, or an asphyxiant, while the cylinder itself contains gas under substantial pressure.
A damaged cylinder, broken valve, leaking regulator, incompatible connection, uncontrolled gas release, or improper storage condition can result in fire, explosion, toxic exposure, oxygen deficiency, chemical burns, or serious physical injury.
OSHA requires compressed gas cylinders to be properly handled, stored, and used, and laboratories covered by OSHA’s Laboratory Standard must address appropriate control measures and safe work practices through their Chemical Hygiene Plan.
What Is a Compressed Gas Cylinder?
A compressed gas cylinder is a pressure vessel designed to contain a gas under pressure.
Depending on the product, the contents may be:
- Compressed gas.
Liquefied gas.- Dissolved gas.
- Refrigerated liquefied gas.
Common laboratory gases include:
- Nitrogen.
- Oxygen.
- Argon.
- Helium.
- Hydrogen.
- Carbon dioxide.
- Acetylene.
- Compressed air.
- Specialty calibration gases.
- Toxic or corrosive gases used for research and analytical work.
The hazards associated with a cylinder depend on both the pressure of the cylinder and the properties of the gas inside it.
Understand the Gas Before Using It
Before connecting or using a compressed gas cylinder, employees should understand:
What gas is in the cylinder?
Is it flammable, oxidizing, toxic, corrosive, reactive, or an asphyxiant?
What regulator and equipment are compatible with it?
Where can it be safely used and stored?
What happens if it leaks?
Is ventilation or gas detection necessary?
What emergency procedures apply?
The cylinder label and applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be reviewed before unfamiliar gases are used.
Never assume the contents of a cylinder based solely on its color.
Compressed Gas Cylinder Hazards
Compressed gas cylinders can create several different types of hazards.
High Pressure
A compressed gas cylinder stores substantial energy.
If a valve is broken or a cylinder is severely damaged, gas can escape rapidly and the cylinder or its components may become dangerous projectiles.
This is one reason cylinders should be protected from:
- Falling.
- Impact.
- Improper handling.
- Damage to valves.
- Excessive heat.
Fire and Explosion
Flammable gases such as hydrogen and acetylene can create fire or explosion hazards if released and mixed with air.
Ignition sources can include:
- Flames.
- Sparks.
- Hot surfaces.
- Electrical equipment.
- Static electricity.
Flammable-gas systems require controls appropriate to the gas, quantity, equipment, and location.
Oxygen Enrichment
Oxygen and other oxidizing gases can greatly increase the rate and intensity of combustion.
Materials that normally burn slowly can burn vigorously in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.
Oxygen equipment should be kept free from oil, grease, and other incompatible combustible contamination.
Oxygen Deficiency
Nitrogen, argon, helium, carbon dioxide, and other gases can displace breathable oxygen.
A release in a small or poorly ventilated room may create a hazardous atmosphere without obvious warning.
Many simple asphyxiant gases are:
- Colorless.
- Odorless.
- Difficult to detect without instrumentation.
The absence of an odor does not mean the atmosphere is safe.
Toxic and Corrosive Gases
Some laboratory gases can cause serious injury at relatively low concentrations.
Depending on the gas, a release may create:
- Acute toxicity.
- Respiratory injury.
- Eye damage.
- Skin burns.
- Corrosion.
- Dangerous reaction products.
Toxic and corrosive gases may require specialized gas cabinets, local exhaust ventilation, detection systems, automatic shutoffs, restricted quantities, and emergency procedures.
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Biological Safety
Chemical Hygiene Plan
Chemical Storage & Compatibility
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Hazard Communication
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Laboratory Chemical Safety
Laboratory Emergency Procedures
Laboratory Equipment Safety
Laboratory Hazard Assessment & Risk Assessment
Laboratory PPE
Laboratory Safety Inspections
Laboratory Safety Training
Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Medical Consultation & Chemical Exposure Response
Particularly Hazardous Substances
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Secure Compressed Gas Cylinders
One of the most basic rules of compressed gas cylinder safety is:
Keep cylinders secured against falling or tipping.
Cylinders should be secured in an upright position when required by their design and use, using an appropriate:
- Chain.
- Strap.
Cylinder rack.- Bracket.
- Approved cylinder restraint.
OSHA requires compressed gas cylinders in construction to be secured in an upright position except, when necessary, for short periods while cylinders are actually being hoisted or carried. OSHA’s laboratory guidance similarly recommends firmly securing cylinders at all times.
A cylinder should not simply be leaned against:
- A wall.
- Laboratory bench.
- Desk.
- Cabinet.
- Equipment.
- Another cylinder.
Where Should the Cylinder Be Secured?
The restraint should prevent the cylinder from tipping.
A restraint positioned too low may allow a tall cylinder to pivot and fall.
Cylinder racks and restraints should be suitable for the cylinder size and installed according to their intended design.
Where multiple cylinders are stored together, each cylinder should be adequately controlled rather than relying on surrounding cylinders to keep it upright.
Moving Compressed Gas Cylinders
Large cylinders should be moved with equipment designed for that purpose.
Use an appropriate cylinder cart, hand truck, or other approved handling device.
Before moving a cylinder:
- Close the valve.
- Remove the regulator when appropriate.
- Install the valve-protection cap where provided.
- Secure the cylinder to the cart.
- Verify the travel path is clear.
Do not routinely move cylinders by:
- Dragging them.
- Sliding them.
- Rolling them horizontally.
- Dropping them.
- Allowing them to strike each other.
Never intentionally drop a cylinder from a truck, platform, loading dock, or other elevated surface.
Do Not Lift Cylinders by the Valve or Cap
Compressed gas cylinders should never be lifted by:
- The valve.
- Valve handwheel.
- Regulator.
- Valve-protection cap.
If mechanical lifting is necessary, use equipment and procedures designed for cylinder handling.
OSHA prohibits using valve-protection caps for lifting cylinders from one vertical position to another.
Regulators
A pressure regulator reduces the high pressure inside the cylinder to a pressure suitable for the downstream equipment.
Use only a regulator that is:
- Designed for the gas.
- Compatible with the cylinder connection.
- Suitable for the cylinder pressure.
- Appropriate for the required delivery pressure.
- Clean and in good condition.
Do not improvise connections.
Never force a regulator onto a cylinder.
If the connection does not fit, stop and determine why.
A mismatched connection may indicate that the regulator is not intended for that gas.
Never Use Unauthorized Adapters
Cylinder valve connections are designed in part to reduce the likelihood of connecting incompatible equipment.
Do not defeat this protection with:
- Improvised adapters.
- Homemade fittings.
- Damaged connectors.
- Forced threads.
- Unauthorized modifications.
If a regulator or fitting does not connect correctly, obtain the proper equipment.
Inspect the Regulator Before Use
Before installing a regulator, inspect it for:
- Damaged threads.
- Cracked gauges.
- Missing components.
- Contamination.
- Damaged fittings.
- Signs of corrosion.
- Other obvious defects.
Do not use damaged regulators.
Regulators used for oxygen service require particular attention to cleanliness because oil, grease, and other combustible contamination can create a severe fire hazard in oxygen-enriched systems.
Opening Cylinder Valves
Cylinder valves should be opened carefully according to the gas, cylinder, regulator, and manufacturer’s instructions.
Before opening the valve:
- Verify the regulator is properly connected.
- Verify downstream equipment is ready.
- Ensure incompatible materials are absent.
- Position yourself appropriately.
- Ensure the system is suitable for the gas.
Employees should generally avoid positioning themselves directly in front of regulator gauges while initially pressurizing a system.
Open valves in a controlled manner.
Do not use excessive force.
If a valve cannot be operated normally, do not use improvised leverage unless specifically authorized by the cylinder design and supplier instructions.
Never Use Oil or Grease on Oxygen Equipment
Oil and grease should never be used on oxygen-cylinder valves, regulators, fittings, or other oxygen equipment unless specifically designed and approved for that service.
Oxygen can cause combustible materials to ignite more readily and burn with extreme intensity.
OSHA specifically prohibits handling oxygen cylinders or apparatus with oily hands or gloves and requires oxygen equipment to be kept free from oil and grease.
Check for Leaks
Connections should be checked for leaks using a method appropriate for the gas and equipment.
Depending on the system, this may include:
- Approved leak-detection solution.
- Electronic gas detector.
- Instrumented system testing.
- Other manufacturer-approved methods.
Never use a flame to check for a gas leak.
If a leak is identified, take the system out of service or follow the established safe shutdown procedure.
Do not tighten or repair pressurized equipment unless the procedure and equipment specifically permit it.
Leaking Cylinders
A leaking cylinder requires immediate attention.
The appropriate response depends heavily on the gas.
If a leak is suspected:
- Do not ignore it.
- Keep ignition sources away when flammable gas may be involved.
- Warn others as necessary.
- Follow the laboratory’s emergency procedures.
- Evacuate if the release cannot be safely controlled.
- Contact appropriate safety, emergency, or supplier personnel.
Do not attempt repairs to the cylinder valve or pressure vessel unless specifically qualified and authorized to perform that work.
A toxic, flammable, corrosive, or large asphyxiant-gas leak may require emergency response rather than routine laboratory troubleshooting.
Ventilation
Compressed gases should be used and stored in areas with ventilation appropriate to the potential release.
The assessment should consider:
- Type of gas.
- Cylinder size.
- Number of cylinders.
- Room volume.
- Ventilation rate.
- Potential leak rate.
- Toxicity.
- Flammability.
- Oxygen-displacement potential.
- Whether gas is continuously supplied to equipment.
- Whether employees work alone.
A small cylinder of a relatively low-hazard gas in a large laboratory may present a very different risk than multiple cylinders of an asphyxiant or toxic gas in a small enclosed room.
Oxygen-Deficiency Hazards
Laboratories using significant quantities of nitrogen, argon, helium, carbon dioxide, or other asphyxiating gases should evaluate whether a credible release could create an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
Depending on the assessment, controls may include:
- Increased ventilation.
- Reduced cylinder quantities.
- Oxygen monitoring.
- Alarm systems.
- Automatic shutoff.
- Restricted access.
- Emergency procedures.
Employees should understand that an oxygen-deficiency alarm means there may be an atmospheric hazard.
Do not enter an alarmed area simply to investigate the cause.
Gas Detection
Gas detection may be appropriate for certain:
- Toxic gases.
- Flammable gases.
- Asphyxiants.
- Oxygen-deficiency hazards.
- Oxygen-enrichment hazards.
Where gas detectors are installed, they should be:
- Appropriate for the hazard.
- Properly located.
- Maintained.
- Calibrated or function-tested as required.
- Connected to alarms or other controls where appropriate.
Employees should know what each alarm means and what actions are required.
An alarm that is routinely ignored provides little protection.
Toxic Gas Cylinders
Toxic gases may require substantially greater controls than ordinary inert gases.
Depending on the gas and quantity, controls may include:
- Ventilated gas cabinets.
- Local exhaust ventilation.
- Continuous gas detection.
- Automatic shutoff valves.
- Excess-flow controls.
- Restricted access.
- Smaller cylinders.
- Emergency power.
- Specialized respiratory protection for emergency responders.
- Written emergency procedures.
The control system should reflect the toxicity and credible release scenario.
For highly toxic gases, simply securing a cylinder to the wall may be far from adequate.
Flammable Gas Cylinders
Flammable gases should be controlled to prevent both uncontrolled release and ignition.
Controls may include:
- Adequate ventilation.
- Ignition-source control.
- Appropriate electrical equipment.
- Gas detection.
- Leak testing.
- Proper regulators and piping.
- Emergency shutoff.
- Appropriate storage separation.
- Grounding or bonding where applicable.
Flammable-gas cylinders should not be stored or used near open flames or other uncontrolled ignition sources.
Oxidizing Gases
Oxygen and other oxidizing gases can greatly increase combustion.
Oxidizers should be kept away from:
- Oil.
- Grease.
- Flammable materials.
- Combustible materials.
- Other incompatible chemicals.
OSHA’s compressed-gas requirements for welding establish specific separation requirements between oxygen cylinders in storage and fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials. Depending on the laboratory application, other fire-code or facility requirements may also apply.
Gas Compatibility
The gas must be compatible with every component it contacts.
This includes:
- Regulator.
- Valve.
- Tubing.
- Piping.
- Gaskets.
- Seals.
- Manifold.
- Flowmeters.
- Instruments.
- Reaction equipment.
Material compatibility becomes particularly important with:
- Corrosive gases.
- Reactive gases.
- Oxygen.
- Hydrogen.
- High-purity gases.
- Specialty gas mixtures.
Do not assume equipment suitable for one gas is suitable for another.
Cylinder Storage
Compressed gas cylinders should be stored in designated locations appropriate for their hazards.
Storage areas should generally be:
- Dry.
- Well ventilated.
- Protected from excessive heat.
- Protected from physical damage.
- Away from exits and travel paths where they could obstruct evacuation.
- Away from incompatible materials.
- Accessible to authorized personnel.
- Arranged so cylinders can be identified and safely handled.
OSHA requires cylinders to be kept away from radiators and other heat sources and stored in well-protected, well-ventilated, dry locations.
Protect Cylinders From Heat
Compressed gas cylinders should not be exposed to excessive heat.
Heat increases internal cylinder pressure and may affect pressure-relief devices or cylinder integrity.
Keep cylinders away from:
- Furnaces.
- Ovens.
- Radiators.
- Open flames.
- Hot processes.
- Other significant heat sources.
Do not intentionally heat a cylinder to increase gas flow or pressure unless a specifically designed and approved system is used.
Keep Cylinders Away From Electrical Hazards
Cylinders should not be positioned where they can become part of an electrical circuit.
OSHA specifically prohibits allowing cylinders to come into contact with electrical apparatus or circuits in ways that could create hazards.
This is particularly important around welding equipment and other high-current systems.
Full and Empty Cylinders
Facilities should have a system for distinguishing:
Full cylinders
from
Empty cylinders
Empty cylinders may still:
- Contain residual pressure.
- Contain hazardous gas.
- Present fire or toxicity hazards.
- Require proper storage and handling.
An “empty” cylinder should not be treated as harmless.
Close the valve, install the cap where appropriate, identify the cylinder according to facility procedures, and return it through the established supplier or cylinder-management system.
Do Not Completely Empty Cylinders
Where consistent with supplier instructions and the gas system, cylinders are commonly maintained with some residual positive pressure rather than intentionally drawing them into a vacuum.
This can help prevent contamination of the cylinder.
Follow supplier and facility requirements for cylinder change-out rather than attempting to extract every possible amount of gas.
Cylinder Inventory
Maintaining an accurate cylinder inventory can improve both safety and laboratory management.
The inventory may identify:
- Gas.
- Cylinder location.
- Cylinder size.
- Hazard class.
- Date received.
- Status.
- Responsible laboratory.
- Supplier.
- Special storage requirements.
An inventory is particularly valuable during emergencies because responders need to know what gases may be involved.
OSHA’s laboratory guidance recommends minimizing the number of cylinders and the amount of hazardous materials stored in laboratories.
Keep Only Necessary Cylinders
Avoid accumulating unnecessary compressed gas cylinders.
Excess inventory can:
- Increase fire loading.
- Increase toxic-release potential.
- Increase oxygen-displacement potential.
- Obstruct laboratory space.
- Complicate emergency response.
- Allow cylinders to remain unused beyond appropriate inspection or supplier-management periods.
Keep the minimum practical inventory needed for laboratory operations.
Manifolded Gas Systems
A manifold allows multiple cylinders or gas sources to supply a common system.
Manifolds can improve operations but may also increase the amount of gas available during a leak or system failure.
Manifold systems should be designed by qualified personnel and may require:
- Pressure regulation.
- Check valves.
- Isolation valves.
- Pressure relief.
- Gas detection.
- Automatic shutoffs.
- Purging provisions.
- Properly rated piping.
- Emergency controls.
Do not construct improvised manifold systems from miscellaneous laboratory fittings.
Piping and Tubing
Gas distribution piping and tubing should be:
- Compatible with the gas.
- Rated for the pressure.
- Properly supported.
- Protected from physical damage.
- Appropriately identified.
- Leak tested.
- Installed using suitable fittings.
Flexible tubing should not be used merely because it is convenient.
Some gases can permeate, degrade, or react with tubing materials.
Purging Gas Systems
Certain gas systems require purging before connection, maintenance, or disconnection.
The purge gas and procedure must be appropriate for the system.
Improper purging can:
- Create flammable mixtures.
- Introduce oxygen into reactive systems.
- Release toxic gases.
- Damage equipment.
Employees should not improvise purging procedures for hazardous gases.
Cylinder Change-Out
Employees changing cylinders should be trained in the specific system.
A typical change-out process may require:
- Shutting down equipment.
- Closing the cylinder valve.
- Relieving system pressure safely.
- Purging where required.
- Disconnecting the regulator or pigtail.
- Installing the cylinder cap.
- Removing the cylinder using a proper cart.
- Securing the replacement cylinder.
- Inspecting connections.
- Connecting appropriate equipment.
- Leak testing.
- Returning the system to service.
The actual sequence should follow the manufacturer’s, supplier’s, and laboratory’s procedures for the gas system.
Do Not Modify Cylinders
Employees should not:
- Drill.
- Weld.
- Grind.
- Machine.
- Paint over identifying information.
- Alter valves.
- Remove pressure-relief devices.
- Repair cylinders.
- Change cylinder markings.
Cylinder repair and requalification should be performed only by properly authorized and qualified organizations.
Compressed Gas Cylinders and Elevators
Transporting cylinders in elevators deserves special consideration, particularly for:
- Toxic gases.
- Asphyxiants.
- Flammable gases.
- Large cylinders.
A release inside a small elevator car can quickly create a hazardous atmosphere.
Laboratories should evaluate whether hazardous cylinders should travel unaccompanied in elevators and establish procedures that prevent other occupants from entering during transport where warranted.
Compressed Gas Cylinders in Small Rooms
A cylinder that is relatively safe in a large, well-ventilated laboratory may create a substantial hazard in:
- Closets.
- Cold rooms.
- Equipment rooms.
- Small laboratories.
- Storage rooms.
- Other enclosed areas.
The hazard assessment should consider the consequences of a credible cylinder or system release, not merely normal gas consumption.
Emergency Shutoff
Laboratories using hazardous gas systems should determine how gas can be safely isolated during an emergency.
Depending on the system, controls may include:
- Manual emergency shutoff valves.
- Remote shutoffs.
- Automatic shutoff valves.
- Excess-flow valves.
- Gas-detection interlocks.
Emergency controls should be:
- Accessible.
- Clearly identified.
- Protected from accidental operation.
- Included in employee training.
Employees should not have to enter a dangerous atmosphere simply to shut off a gas supply.
Compressed Gas Emergency Procedures
Laboratories should establish procedures for foreseeable compressed-gas emergencies, including:
- Gas leaks.
- Damaged cylinders.
- Regulator failure.
- Gas-detection alarms.
- Oxygen-deficiency alarms.
- Fires.
- Toxic releases.
- Cylinder heating.
- Uncontrolled reactions.
- Ventilation failure.
Employees should know:
When to stop work.
When to evacuate.
Where to evacuate.
Who to contact.
What alarms mean.
When they must not enter or reenter an area.
Fire Involving a Cylinder
A cylinder exposed to fire or significant heat can present an extremely serious hazard.
Employees should:
- Activate emergency procedures.
- Warn others.
- Evacuate as required.
- Notify emergency responders of the gases involved.
- Avoid approaching heated cylinders unless specifically trained and equipped.
Do not assume a cylinder is safe merely because the flame or external fire has been extinguished.
Do Not Attempt an Unprotected Rescue
A person who collapses in an area containing a leaking inert, toxic, or other compressed gas may be in a hazardous atmosphere.
Do not rush into the area without appropriate protection.
An unprotected rescuer can become a second victim.
Emergency response should follow the facility’s established rescue and atmospheric-hazard procedures.
Compressed Gas Cylinder Inspection
Cylinders and associated equipment should be visually inspected as appropriate before use and periodically during service.
Look for:
- Dents.
- Gouges.
- Severe corrosion.
- Fire damage.
- Valve damage.
- Leaks.
- Damaged caps.
- Unusual frost.
- Regulator damage.
- Damaged hoses.
- Damaged restraints.
- Missing or illegible identification.
Do not use a cylinder that appears unsafe.
Contact the supplier or responsible safety personnel for evaluation.
Compressed Gas Cylinder Training
Employees who handle or use compressed gas cylinders should receive training appropriate to the gases and systems involved.
Training should address:
- Gas hazards.
- SDS information.
- Cylinder identification.
- Cylinder securing.
- Valve protection.
- Safe transport.
- Regulators.
- Connections.
- Leak testing.
- Ventilation.
- Oxygen deficiency.
- Flammable gases.
- Oxidizers.
- Toxic and corrosive gases.
- Gas detection.
- Cylinder storage.
- Cylinder change-out.
- Emergency shutdown.
- Leak response.
- Fire response.
- Emergency evacuation.
Employees should be trained before independently handling compressed gas systems.
Common Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety Mistakes
Common problems include:
- Leaving cylinders unsecured.
- Securing cylinders too low to prevent tipping.
- Identifying gas only by cylinder color.
- Moving cylinders without valve protection.
- Rolling or dragging cylinders.
- Lifting cylinders by their caps.
- Using the wrong regulator.
- Forcing incompatible connections.
- Using unauthorized adapters.
- Using oil or grease on oxygen equipment.
- Failing to leak-test connections.
- Ignoring small gas leaks.
- Storing excessive numbers of cylinders.
- Storing cylinders in poorly ventilated rooms.
- Failing to evaluate oxygen-deficiency hazards.
- Ignoring gas-detection alarms.
- Using damaged hoses or regulators.
- Improvising gas manifolds.
- Failing to separate incompatible gases.
- Treating empty cylinders as harmless.
- Blocking access to emergency shutoffs.
- Attempting to repair cylinders.
- Entering an alarmed area to investigate a leak.
Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety Checklist
A practical Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety Checklist can include:
☐ Cylinders are clearly identified by their labels.
☐ Cylinder labels are legible.
☐ Cylinders are secured against falling or tipping.
☐ Restraints are properly positioned.
☐ Valve-protection caps are installed when appropriate.
☐ Cylinders are moved using appropriate carts.
☐ Cylinders are secured during transport.
☐ Cylinders are not dragged, dropped, or improperly rolled.
☐ Regulators are appropriate for the gas and pressure.
☐ Regulators are in good condition.
☐ Connections are not forced or improperly adapted.
☐ Oxygen equipment is free from oil and grease.
☐ Connections are checked for leaks as appropriate.
☐ Cylinders and valves show no obvious damage.
☐ Storage areas are adequately ventilated.
☐ Cylinders are protected from excessive heat.
☐ Cylinders are protected from physical damage.
☐ Flammable gases are controlled for ignition hazards.
☐ Oxidizers are appropriately separated from incompatible materials.
☐ Toxic gases receive appropriate engineering controls.
☐ Oxygen-deficiency hazards have been evaluated.
☐ Gas detection or oxygen monitoring is provided where warranted.
☐ Employees understand gas and oxygen alarms.
☐ Full and empty cylinders are appropriately identified.
☐ Empty-cylinder valves are closed.
☐ Unnecessary cylinder inventories are minimized.
☐ Gas piping and tubing are compatible and properly rated.
☐ Manifold systems are properly designed and maintained.
☐ Cylinder change-out procedures are established.
☐ Emergency shutoffs are identified and accessible.
☐ Employees know how to respond to a gas leak.
☐ Employees understand when evacuation is required.
☐ Employees understand that unprotected rescue is prohibited.
☐ Cylinders and associated equipment are periodically inspected.
☐ Employees receive compressed gas cylinder safety training.
☐ Identified deficiencies are documented and corrected.
Building an Effective Compressed Gas Safety Program
An effective compressed gas cylinder safety program should address more than cylinder storage.
A useful approach is:
Identify the Gas
↓
Understand Its Hazards
↓
Evaluate the Location and Quantity
↓
Secure and Protect the Cylinder
↓
Select Compatible Regulators and Equipment
↓
Provide Ventilation and Detection Where Necessary
↓
Establish Safe Use and Change-Out Procedures
↓
Prepare for Leaks and Emergencies
↓
Train Employees
↓
Inspect the System
The greatest risk is not always the cylinder itself.
A perfectly secured nitrogen cylinder can still create an asphyxiation hazard if it releases into a small room. A properly restrained oxygen cylinder can still create a severe fire hazard if contaminated equipment is used. A toxic-gas cylinder may require controls far beyond a chain and regulator.
Effective cylinder safety therefore considers:
Pressure Hazard + Gas Hazard + Environment + Equipment + Employee Practices
Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and the Chemical Hygiene Plan
For laboratories covered by OSHA’s Laboratory Standard, compressed-gas hazards should be incorporated into the Chemical Hygiene Plan and applicable standard operating procedures.
The laboratory should establish how it will address:
- Cylinder receipt and identification.
- Hazard assessment.
- Storage.
- Securing.
- Transportation.
- Regulator selection.
- Gas-system design.
- Ventilation.
- Gas detection where necessary.
- Toxic and flammable gases.
- Cylinder change-out.
- Inspections.
- Emergency response.
- Employee training.
Higher-hazard gases may require written procedures and prior approval before use.