Safety & Loss Prevention
Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety
General description
According to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
"Compressed gas" means:
(i) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70 deg. F (21.1 deg. C); or
(ii) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130 deg. F (54.4 deg. C) regardless of the pressure at 70 deg. F (21.1 deg. C); or
(iii) A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100 deg. F (37.8 deg. C) as determined by ASTM D-323-72.
Compressed gases can be toxic, flammable, oxidizing, corrosive,
or inert. In the event of a leak, inert gases can quickly displace air
in a large area creating an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, toxic
gases can create poison atmospheres, and flammable or reactive
gases can result in fire and exploding cylinders.
In addition, there are hazards from the pressure of the gas and
the physical weight of the cylinder. A gas cylinder falling over can
break containers and crush feet. The cylinder can itself become a
missile if the cylinder valve is broken off.
GENERAL CYLINDER SAFETY
• Accept only properly identified cylinders and do not rely on
color codes.
• Wear safety equipment appropriate for the hazard potential
of the gas before beginning work.
• If a cylinder or valve is noticeably corroded, the vendor
should be contacted for instructions.
• A leaking cylinder should be removed and isolated in a well-ventilated
safe area. It may be necessary to call in trained
emergency response personnel.
• If the leak is at the junction of the cylinder valve and cylinder
DO NOT try to repair! Instead, contact the supplier.
CYLINDER USE AND STORAGE
• Leave cap on and valve closed when cylinder is not in use.
• Store cylinders upright
• Regulators should only be used for the gas for which they
were designed and should not be interchanged. Do not
force regulator connection fittings.
• Never drag, slide, or roll the cylinder; never transport with
the regulator in place; and secure the cylinder to a suitable
hand truck or cart during transport.
• Properly secure cylinders in a well ventilated and protected
area away from heat, flames, and the sun.
• Segregated cylinders by hazard classes while in storage.
• Discontinue use of the cylinder when it has at least 25 psi
remaining; close valve to prevent air and moisture from
entering. Return unused and empty cylinders to the vendor
for reuse or refill.
• Mark or tag empty cylinders "EMPTY" or "MT." Separate
empty and full cylinders during storage.
DO NOT:
• DO NOT purchase more or larger cylinders than necessary;
• DO NOT store flammable gases next to an exit or near oxygen
cylinders;
• DO NOT use copper fittings or tubing on acetylene tanks;
• DO NOT use Teflon® tape on cylinder or tube fitting connections,
which have metal-to-metal face seals or gasket seals;
• DO NOT permit oil or grease to contact cylinders or their valves,
especially cylinders containing oxidizing gases.
Adapted from US Department of Energy Office of Health, Safety and Security
Regulatory citations and standards
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.101 Compressed Gases (General Requirements)
|
"Inspection of compressed gas cylinders." Each employer shall determine that compressed gas "Compressed gases." The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders, ..1910.101(c) 1910.101(c) "Safety relief devices for compressed gas containers." Compressed gas cylinders, portable tanks, and cargo 1910.102 - Acetylene. [61 FR 9236, March 7, 1996] |
Department of Commerce Comm32
"Comm 32.25 Compressed gases [29 CFR 1910.101].
This department rule is in addition to 29 CFR 1910.101:
(1) All compressed gas cylinders shall be secured around the
body of the cylinder to prevent falling.
History: Cr. Register, February, 1999, No. 518, eff. 3−1−99."
The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) regulate the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials in commerce.
Links to campus training resources
UW-Madison Gas Cylinder Safety
UW-Milwaukee Gas Cylinder Safety
Links to other resources
Air Products - EH&S, Safetygrams & more
Air Products Safetygram # 10: Handling, Storage and Use of Compressed Gas Cylinders
Air Products Safetygram # 11: Emergency Action for Handling Leaking Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed Gas Cylinder Association
DOT Free Publications - Includes Cylinders - What you need to know
Google Search
Iowa State University - Ames Laboratory Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety
Oklahoma State University Online Safety Library: Compressed Gases
If you have any questions, contact us at OSLP.
Last updated 08/09/2011
This publication was prepared for environmental, health and safety staff at University of Wisconsin System campuses, to assist in finding resources and information for regulatory compliance. It is not intended to render legal advice. (Click here to read full legal disclaimer.)