12 Sep Gas Cylinder Safety

Gas Cylinder Safety

Compressed gas cylinders require special handling because they present hazards from both the contents of the cylinder and the pressure under which those contents are stored. A damaged cylinder, valve, or regulator can cause a fire, explosion, toxic exposure, oxygen-deficient atmosphere, or uncontrolled release of energy.

Never handle or use a compressed gas cylinder unless you know its contents, understand its hazards, and have been trained in the proper handling procedures.

Know What Is in the Cylinder

Compressed gases may be flammable, oxidizing, corrosive, toxic, inert, or have several hazardous properties.

Before using a cylinder:

• Read the cylinder label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Understand the hazards, required PPE, storage requirements, and emergency procedures.
• Verify that the cylinder is clearly labeled with its contents.
• Never identify a gas solely by the color of the cylinder.
• Do not use a cylinder with a missing, damaged, or illegible label.
• Label piping, tubing, and process lines as required to identify their contents.
• Observe posted warnings such as “No Smoking,” “Flammable Gas,” or other hazard-specific signs.

Cylinder Inspection

Inspect cylinders and associated equipment before use. Look for:

• Dents, gouges, bulges, cracks, corrosion, or other cylinder damage.
• Damaged or contaminated valves and fittings.
• Missing or damaged valve-protection caps.
• Damaged regulators, hoses, tubing, and connections.
• Evidence of leakage.
• Improper or unauthorized modifications.

Do not attempt to repair a cylinder, valve, or pressure-relief device.

If a cylinder is damaged, leaking, or otherwise unsafe, stop using it, isolate the area as necessary, and notify your supervisor and the cylinder supplier. Do not attempt to move a leaking cylinder unless it can be done safely and in accordance with emergency procedures.

Handling and Transportation

Compressed gas cylinders are heavy and can cause serious injuries if dropped. A cylinder with a broken valve can also release tremendous energy and become a dangerous projectile.

When moving cylinders:

• Close the cylinder valve before moving it.
• Remove regulators and disconnect hoses or tubing when required.
• Install the valve-protection cap when the cylinder is designed for one.
• Use an approved cylinder cart, hand truck, or other suitable handling device.
• Secure cylinders to the cart before moving them.
• Never drag, roll, slide, or intentionally drop cylinders.
• Never lift a cylinder by its valve, valve-protection cap, or regulator.
• Do not use magnets, ropes, or slings to lift cylinders unless specifically designed and approved for that purpose.
• Protect cylinders from being struck by vehicles, equipment, and falling objects.

Securing Cylinders

Cylinders must be protected against falling or being knocked over.

• Store and use cylinders in a secure position as required for the particular gas and cylinder.
• Secure cylinders with an appropriate chain, strap, rack, or other restraint.
• Secure cylinders at a point that effectively prevents tipping.
• Keep cylinders away from stairs, walkways, exits, and other locations where they could be struck or create an obstruction.
• Provide appropriate restraint in areas where seismic movement is a concern.

Never rely on the regulator, piping, or hose to keep a cylinder upright.

Storage and Segregation

Store cylinders in designated, well-ventilated areas protected from physical damage, excessive heat, ignition sources, and incompatible materials.

Follow the SDS, applicable regulations, and company procedures when separating incompatible gases. In particular, oxygen and other oxidizing gases must be properly separated from fuel-gas cylinders and combustible materials during storage.

Keep cylinder valves closed when cylinders are not in use. Empty cylinders must also be properly secured, identified, and handled with care because they may still contain residual pressure and hazardous gas.

Regulators and Connections

Use only regulators, valves, hoses, fittings, and other equipment designed for the particular gas and pressure involved.

• Inspect connections before use.
• Make sure threads and fittings are compatible.
• Never force incompatible connections together.
• Never use adapters or modify fittings unless specifically approved for the application.
• Open cylinder valves slowly and carefully.
• Stand to the side of the regulator when opening the cylinder valve.
• Keep oil and grease away from oxygen cylinders, valves, regulators, and fittings.
• Never use a flame to check for leaks.
• Use an approved leak-detection method appropriate for the gas.

Do not attempt to force open a cylinder valve that is stuck or difficult to operate.

Fire and Heat Protection

Keep compressed gas cylinders away from open flames, sparks, hot work, electrical arcs, and excessive heat.

Flammable-gas cylinders require particularly careful control of ignition sources. Smoking and open flames are prohibited in areas where flammable gases are stored or used.

Never allow a cylinder to become part of an electrical circuit or permit welding electrodes to contact a cylinder.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear PPE appropriate for the gas and work being performed. Depending on the hazards, this may include:

• Safety glasses with side protection.
• Chemical splash goggles.
• Face protection.
• Appropriate gloves.
• Safety footwear.
• Protective clothing.
• Respiratory protection when required by the hazard assessment and Respiratory Protection Program.

The SDS and workplace hazard assessment should be used to determine appropriate PPE.

Emergency Response

Know what to do before a cylinder leak, fire, or other emergency occurs.

If an uncontrolled gas release occurs:

• Warn others and keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Eliminate ignition sources when this can be done safely.
• Do not attempt to stop a leak unless you are trained, authorized, and can do so without exposure.
• Evacuate the area when required.
• Notify your supervisor and follow the site’s emergency procedures.
• Contact emergency responders or the gas supplier when appropriate.

Remember that some gases can create flammable, toxic, corrosive, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres without providing an obvious warning.

Remember

Treat every compressed gas cylinder as both a chemical container and a high-pressure vessel. Identify the contents, understand the hazards, inspect the equipment, secure the cylinder, use the correct regulator and fittings, and protect cylinders from heat and physical damage.