There are potential hazards and best practices for storage, transport, installation and use of compressed gas. Different vendor s may use different colors for cylinders of the same gas. Compressed gases can cause fires, explosions, oxygen deficient atmospheres, toxic gas exposures. Department of health and human services dhhs, national institute for occupational safety and health niosh publication no. Safety bulletin sb121998 use of regulator pressure gauges 5. Applies to the more common precautions of handling, storage, and use of compressed gases in cylinders or portable tanks in school environments. Ucla policy requires that compressed gas cylinders be double chained to a stable structure such as a wall. Consult the air products safety data sheet sds and safetygrams for safety information on the gases and equipment you will be using. Handling, storage, and use of compressed gas cylinders air products. Store upright in ventilated area away from traffic. The first chain should be one third from the bottom of the cylinder and the second chain should be one third from the top of the cylinder. Safety bulletin sb81998 use of oxyfuel gas welding 4.
Compressed gas cylinder safety part 2 safety toolbox talks. Compressed gas cylinder safety at the beginning of book 2. Never allow flames or concentrated heat sources to come in contact with a gas cylinder. Compressed gas cylinder storage and handling ucla chemistry. The purpose of this program is to heighten employee awareness of the need to properly use, handle, and store compressed gases. Osha hazard information bulletin hib, june 5, 1996. Compressed gas cylinders range from small lecture bottles to large cylinders with more than 200 cubic feet of gas. Gas safety summary read labels and msds before first use. The safe way to store cylinders depends on the type of cylinder, its contents, and the nature of the site. Compressed gas cylinder safety safety storage centre.
Compressed gases may present both physical and health hazards. Y are cylinders stored in a manner to prevent them from creating a hazard by tipping, falling, or rolling. Working safely with and around compressed gas cylinders is critical for any business. We use compressed gases for a variety of tasks at our facility. Compressed gas safety environment, health and safety. Because cylinder contents are under high pressure up to 2,500 pounds per square inch, or psi, there can be physical and chemical hazards involved with the use of compressed gas cylinders. Gas cylinder safety guidelines iowa state university. Compressed gas cylinders are used in many workplaces to store gases that vary from extremely flammable acetylene to inert. A gas cylinder falling over can break containers and crush feet. An assembly of equipment designed to contain, distribute or transport compressed gases.
The health and safety executive hse identified that one or more of the gas cylinders fell over, causing the unprotected valve to shear off around the neck of the cylinder. Compressed or liquefied gas cylinders are often used to store chemicals for industrial purposes. Before using a compressed gas cylinder cylinder, users and handlers must be familiar with general and specific hazards associated with it. Dont use the recessed top of the cylinder as a storage area for tools or material. Gas cylinder safety environmental health and safety. Know and understand the properties, uses, and safety precautions before. Only qualified, gas supplier personnel should service or correct associated problems with cylinders. There are potential hazards and best practices for storage, transport, installation and. Compressed gas cylinders are a common fixture in research laboratories. Compressed gas cylinder video vivid learning systems. Small cylinder stands or other methods may be appropriate to ensure that the cylinders are secured from movement. This released an uncontrolled jet of liquefied argonite at high pressure equivalent to 300 bar, which caused it to move, colliding with other cylinders. The compression of the chemicals allows for a large quantity of material to be stored in a relatively small space. Handling, storage, and use of compressed gas cylinders.
Secure all cylinders by a chain, strap, or on a cart regardless of tank size. Therefore, the scope of this document will address compressed gas cylinders that are common in a laboratory environment. Special storage, use, handling and disposal procedures are necessary to ensure the safety of researchers using these chemicals and equipment. All cylinders must be stored vertical, top up across the upper half the cylinder but below the shoulder. Compressed gases can cause fires, explosions, oxygen deficient atmospheres, toxic gas exposures as well as the innate physical hazard associated with cylinders under high pressure. Potential carbon dioxide co2 asphyxiation hazard when filling stationary low pressure co2 supply systems. Are safety relief devices in the valve or on the cylinder free from any indication of tampering. Safety toolbox topic on the handling and transporting of compressed gas cylinders compressed gas cylinder safety part 2 safety toolbox talks meeting topics s a f e t y t o o l b o x t o p i c s. A flame should never come in contact with any part of a compressed gas cylinder. If the information is not provided on the sds, contact the supplier for specific information. Read the whmis label for each of the different cylinders you use. Y are compressed gas cylinders stored in areas away from heat sources. The exact nature of these hazards depends on the type of gas, quantity, and procedureapparatus in which it is used. Such as a cylinder, portable tank or stationary tank, that varies in shape, size and material of construction.
These cylinders can contain gases that vary in chemical properties from inert and harmless to toxic and explosive. Three safety issues with nitrogen gas cylinders parker. Compressed gas cylinder safety part 1 safety toolbox talks. Cylinders in use or connected can be stored together. The pressure of the gas in the cylinder should not be more than the regulator fitted, and the cylinder needs to be secured so that it cant topple over ideally in a purposebuilt cylinder rack or store. Safe storage of gas cylinders in workplaces cannot be taken lightly. Compressed gas cylinder storage and handling weill cornell ehs. Always move cylinders using an appropriate trolley.
Boc are onhand to provide all the information you need to ensure cylinders are transported, stored and used safely. Wear substantial shoes, safety glasses and gloves when handling cylinders. So we have to know how to transport, store, and use the cylinders safely. An overview of specific health or safety concerns related to a. If you know someone who needs this go ahead and pass it on. Refer the compressed gas cylinders sds for recommendations pertaining to ppe. Compressed gas cylinder safety reminders here at the university, we are as diverse in our activities as the people who perform them. A refrigerated liquefied gas having a boiling point colder than 90 c f at 14. If a compressed gas cylinder is damaged it must be.
Moving a compressed gas cylinder from storage to the work area in the same building must be done by using a. The cylinder can itself become a missile if the cylinder valve is broken off. Compressed gas cylinder storage and handling penetration or damage by the compressed gas. Use great care in handling and storing compressed gas cylinders. Now compressed gas cylinder safety isnt rocket science but there is a science to it, in fact there are a few more requirements and if youd like to learn more you can certainly ask us about that. Know and understand the properties, uses, and safety precautions before using any gas or gas mixture. Understand the safety hazards related to compressed gas cylinders. Types of compressed gases types of cylinders how cylinders are filled safe use of cylinder related equipment how to store and handle cylinders the diagram shows a.
A number of gases are kept under pressure in cylinders for a variety of applications in industry, medicine, catering and leisure. The pressure at which gases are contained in gas cylinders can be extremely high. The best way to protect workers from the hazards associated with compressed gas cylinders is to follow the five basic safety practices outlined here. Boxes, cartons, and other items used to support small cylinders must not allow water. Compressed gas cylinder safety course required reading for test purposes 1. High pressurethe pressure contained within the gas cylinder creates a special hazard if the. Storage valve protection caps must be in place when compressed gas cylinders are stored.
These guidelines cover compressed and liquefiable gas cylinders as shown on the gas cylinder colour identification on pages 89. Having determined the contents of the cylinder, it is then necessary to check that the gas is suitable for the application. Safety and health topics compressed gas and equipment. Injury caused by fall of gas cylinders during handling. The convenience of compressed gas doesnt come without a price though. This will also ensure the appropriate material safety data sheet msds is nearby.
For further information contact the department of environmental and safety at 5466400. Never allow a gas cylinder to become part of an electrical circuit. Please note that the identification of the gas contents of any cylinder is given by the label on the cylinder and is qualified by the colours of the cylinder, and the cylinder valve outlet. Compressed gas cylinders condensed safety rules printable pdf version handling and use. The following references aid in recognizing the hazards associated with compressed gas and equipment. Do all compressed gas cylinders have safety pressure relief valves.
Compressed gas cylinder safety compressed or liquefied gas cylinders allows for a large quantity of material to be stored in a relatively small space. A firewall partition 5 feet high with a halfhour rating can be substituted. General compressed gas safety west virginia university environmental health and safety safe compressed gas practices never rely on the cylinder color to identify the compressed gas. Compressed gas safety program ohio state university. We use compressed gases and the cylinders that store them for welding, powering industrial trucks and a variety of less common things.
General use requirements gas cylinder use never apply excessive force when trying to open valves. If a cylinder leaks or a valve is broken, tag the cylinder and contact a trained maintenance person or the supplier. It is the responsibility of any staff, faculty, student or guest of the. Cylinder safety devices must be maintained in proper operating conditions to function correctly. Identify controls this is the whmis hazard symbol for compressed gas. The use of compressed gas cylinders is a frequent adjunct to laboratory and facilities management daily operation. The compressed gas safety manual was created to ensure the safe use of compressed gases and all associated equipment by depaul university employees and students, and to ensure compliance with applicable osha and industry consensus standards. Compressed gas cylinder training is available online.
Apr 15, 20 working safely with and around compressed gas cylinders is critical for any business. All employees using a compressed gas cylinder must be properly trained in the safe use, handling, and storage of the cylinder. Compressed gas cylinder safety part 2 safety toolbox. As such it is imperative to understand safe handling, transportation and use of. Safe handling of compressed gas cylinders environmental. Keep oxygen and flammable gas regulators in proper working order and a wrench in position on the acetylene valve when in use. Most compressed gas cylinders, whether they are ultrahigh purity or industrial grade, will be pressurized to around 2000 psi. The training requirements for gas cylinder usage fall under oshas hazard communication training requirements and as such, it is essential to know and understand the properties, uses, and safety precautions of the gas before using the cylinder. Compressed gas cylinder cgc safety osha safety manuals. Cylinders are also labelled with their contents and handling instructions.
A gas detection system in which the instrument is maintained in. Ucla is committed to provide safety guidelines concerning the handling and use of portable compressed gas cylinders. Compressed gas cylinder shoulder markings and interpretations 1 page 3. A minimum of 20 feet must be maintained between oxidizers and flammable gases and other combustible materials, such as oil or grease. The compressed gas safety manual was created to ensure the safe use of compressed gases and all associated equipment by depaul university employees and students, and to ensure compliance. Certain specific properties of compressed gases make them. Compressed gas cylinder safety manual, including successfully completing all training requirements set forth therein. Cdc niosh publications and products safety checklist.
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