All compressed gas cylinders, regardless of size, must be secured to racks, walls,
workbenches, or hand trucks using a strong chain, strap, or any other approved method
that prevents the cylinder from falling or being knocked over.
Any questionable gas cylinders or equipment must be reported immediately to the supplier
for correction or replacement.
All cylinders should be clearly labeled to identify their contents.
Only personnel trained in the proper transportation and safe use of gas cylinders
should handle them.
Compressed gases should only be used in areas with adequate ventilation for the specific
gas being used.
Cylinders must not be intentionally dropped, struck, or allowed to collide violently
with each other, and they must be reasonably protected from any violent impact.
All cylinders should be kept at a safe distance or shielded in the work area to prevent
contact with sparks, flames, or radiant heat.
Valve protection caps are required on all cylinders that are threaded to accommodate
a cap unless the cylinder valve is actually connected to a regulator or manifold.
All gas cylinders must be equipped with a functioning gas regulator while in use.
No one should attempt to connect a regulator or accessory equipment using improvised
hookups or adapters.
After using a compressed gas cylinder for the day, the cylinder valve must be closed,
and the pressure in the regulator and associated equipment must be released.
If a compressed gas is used to maintain static pressure in a closed system, a clearly
visible warning sign should be posted indicating the approximate pressure the system
is under and the gas involved.
All empty cylinders must have their valves closed and should be handled with the same
care as full cylinders.
Compressed gas or compressed air should not be used for cleaning purposes (blowing
dust and debris away) without appropriate reduction valves (30 p.s.i. maximum).
Under no circumstances should a person direct high-pressure gas at another person.
While in use, all cylinders containing flammable gases must be protected by a flashback
protection device approved by the EHS Division. Cylinders of flammable gas should
not be opened more than 1.5 turns of the cylinder valve to allow for quick closing.
If a special wrench is required, it must be left on the valve stem while the cylinder
is in use, allowing for quick shutoff in case of an emergency.
All oxygen or nitrous oxide cylinders and manifolds must be kept at least 20 feet
away from or separated by a half-hour rated fire-resistant partition from all flammable
gases and materials (such as oil, grease, and petroleum products) in the area of use.
All manifold enclosures for oxygen and nitrous oxide with a manifold capacity of over
2000 cubic feet must be vented to the outside, and the cylinder or manifold must be
protected with check valves or alarms.
Due to the risk of explosion, all regulators and other equipment used for oxygen must
be clearly labeled as “OXYGEN ONLY,” and equipment used for other gases must not be
used for oxygen. All oxygen regulators, tubing, and related equipment must be kept
clean and free of organic materials such as oil and lint.
In the event that a particularly hazardous gas (e.g., phosgene, hydrogen chloride,
hydrogen cyanide) is used, a procedure must be established for evacuating, sealing,
and isolating the area of use. The EHS Division must be notified before procuring
such hazardous gases. Only personnel who are properly instructed in the chemical and
biological hazards of corrosive and/or toxic gases should release, use, or operate
any equipment using these gases.
All supervisory personnel must have access to the necessary emergency treatment and
first aid supplies and should be able to administer or ensure that proper first aid
is provided in the event of exposure to any hazardous gas.
Storage of Compressed Gas Cylinders:
Compressed gas cylinder storage areas must be in a fire-resistant enclosure located
away from emergency exits. These areas must be well-drained, well-ventilated, cool,
and protected from the weather.
Regardless of size, all cylinders must be provided with supports (straps, chains,
or other similar devices) that prevent them from falling.
Under no circumstances should the temperature of gas cylinders exceed 50°C (125°F).
Type E gas cylinders should not exceed 34°C (93°F), as their relief valves are set
to release above 35°C.
To prevent excessive storage time, the smallest practical size cylinder for a particular
gas application should be used.
Corrosive gases should not be stored for more than six months, as this may lead to
a deterioration in gas purity and increase the likelihood of cylinder valve malfunction.
Oxygen or nitrous oxide must not be stored in the same area as flammable gases.
Transportation of Compressed Gas Cylinders
Only personnel with sufficient physical strength and stature should move gas cylinders
to minimize potential hazards associated with their size and weight.
When moving cylinders, ensure they are disconnected from any regulators or manifolds.
If the cylinders have threaded openings for protective valve caps, these caps must
be securely in place before releasing the cylinders from their securing devices.
Cylinders should only be transported using a hand truck or another cart specifically
designed for handling gas cylinders.
No more than one cylinder should be handled at a time, unless using carts that are
designed to transport multiple cylinders.
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