COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS SAFETY

A) Common Problems:
1. Unsecured cylinders.

2. Cylinders stored without protective caps.

3. Non-compatible gases (such as hydrogen and oxygen)

4. Cylinder valves open when cylinder is not in use. (an

5. Fire extinguishers not present during welding, burning, or

6. No safety showers and eyewash fountains where

7. No gas masks and/or self-contained breathing

B) General Precautions
1. Never drop cylinders or permit them to strike each other 12. Bond and ground all cylinders, lines, and equipment
violently. used with flammable compressed gases.

2. Cylinders may be stored in the open, but should be 13. Cylinders should be used in rotation as received from
protected from the ground beneath to prevent rusting. the supplier. Storage areas should be set up to permit
Cylinders may be stored in the sun, except in localities proper inventory rotation.
where extreme temperatures prevail; in the case of
14. When discharging gas into a liquid, a trap or suitable
certain gases, the supplier’s recommendation for shading
check valve should be used to prevent liquid from getting
should be observed. If ice or snow accumulates on a
back into the cylinder or regulator.
cylinder, thaw at room temperature.
15. When returning empty cylinders, close the valve
3. The valve-protection cap should be left on each cylinder
before shipment, leaving some positive pressure in the
until it has been secured against a wall or bench, or placed
cylinder. Replace any valve outlet and protective caps
in a cylinder stand, and is ready to be used.
originally shipped with the cylinder. Mark or label the
4. Avoid dragging, rolling, or sliding cylinders, even for a cylinder “empty” (or utilize standard DOT “empty” labels)
short distance. They should be moved by using a suitable and store in a designated area for return to the supplier.
hand truck.
16. Before using cylinders, read all label information and
5. Never tamper with pressure relief devices in valves or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) associated with the
cylinders. gas being used. Observe all applicable safety practices.

6. Do not store full and empty cylinders together. 17. Eye baths, safety showers, gas masks, respirators,
and/or resuscitators should be located nearby but out of

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 7. Do not have full and empty cylinders connected to the the immediate area that is likely to become contaminated
same manifold. Reverse flow can occur when an empty in the event of a large release of gas.
cylinder is attached to a pressurized system.
18. Fire extinguishers, preferably of the dry chemical type,
8. No part of a cylinder should be subjected to a should be kept close chemical type, should be kept close
temperature higher than 52°C. A flame should never be at hand and should be checked periodically to ensure their
permitted to come in contact with any part of a proper operation.
compressed gas cylinder.
19. When using compressed gases, wear appropriate
9. Cylinders should not be subjected to artificially created protective equipment, such as safety goggles or face
low temperatures (-29°C or lower), since many types of shield, rubber gloves, and safety shoes. Well ventilated
steel will lose their ductility and impact strength at low barricades should be used in extremely hazardous
temperatures. Special stainless steel cylinders are operations, such as in the handling of fluorine. Gas masks
available for low temperature use. should be kept available for immediate use when working
with toxic gases. These masks should be placed in
10. Do not place cylinders where they may become part of
convenient locations in areas not likely to become
an electric circuit. When electric arc-welding, precautions
contaminated. Those involved in the handling of
must be taken to prevent striking an arc against a cylinder.
compressed gases should become familiar with the proper
11. Use compressed gases only in a well ventilated area. application and limitations of the various types of masks
Toxic, flammable, and corrosive gases should be carefully and respiration aids available.
Handled in a hood. Proper containment systems should be
used and minimum quantities of these products should be
kept on-site.

Important Note:
The user of compressed gases should become familiar with the first-aid methods to be employed in cases of overexposure
or burns caused by a gas. A plant doctor should be familiar with whatever further treatments may be necessary.
Unnecessary delay in the treatment of a patient overcome by a toxic gas or burned by a corrosive gas could cause the
patient permanent damage, and might even result in death. Authorized personnel should administer first aid; however,
they should not take it upon themselves to ad minister medical treatments. A physician should be contacted immediately.

C) Equipment maintenance:
Regular workplace inspections can help to spot situations where compressed gases are stored, handled, or used in
potentially hazardous ways.

 Regular inspection of equipment can provide a warning of potential hazards.

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D) What should I do in an emergency?
It is important to Act fast in emergencies such as chemical fires or gas cylinder leaks.

 Evacuate the area at once if you are not trained to handle the problem or if it is clearly beyond your control.
 Alert other people in the area to the emergency.
 Call the fire department immediately.
 Report the problem to the people responsible for handling emergencies where you work.
 Obtain first aid and remove all contaminated clothes if you have been exposed to harmful chemicals.

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