Compressed Gas Safety
The purpose of this section is to assist the laboratory worker
with identification, storage, maintenance, and handling of
compressed gases. Compressed gases can be hazardous because
each cylinder contains large amounts of energy and may have
high flammability and toxicity potential.
Labeling and Information:
Compressed gas containers may be labeled in five ways:
- Flammable Gas -- labels show a flame on red label.
- Non-flammable Gas -- labels depict a gas canister on a
green background.
- Poisonous Gas -- labels show a skull and crossbones.
- Oxygen-containing Gas -- labels are designated by a flaming
letter "O".
- Chlorine Gas -- labels are distinctly marked.
Know the contents of the cylinder and be familiar with the
properties of the gas.
- The contents of the cylinder or compressed gas should
be clearly marked and identified with proper labels or tags
on the shoulder of the cylinder.
- Those cylinders or compressed gases that do not comply
with identification requirements should be returned to the
vendor.
- If two labels are associated with one cylinder, affix
the labels 180ยก apart on the shoulder of each cylinder.
- Label all empty cylinders EMPTY and date the tag.
- All regulators, gauges, valves, manifolds, must be designed
for the particular pressures and gases involved.
- They should bear the inspection seal of either Underwriters'
Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual Engineering Division
of Associated Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Companies (FM).
- Storage and Handling
Check all cylinders for leaks!
Use a leak detector fluid such as "Snoop" which
will show if any leaks exist (by the presence of bubbles forming
where the Snoop is applied). The use of Snoop over soap is
recommended because Snoop is apparently far less corrosive
to the valves and connectors. Often incompatible cylinders
must be placed next to one another for a particular application.
Test those cylinders before their use - daily if necessary
- to ensure that the incompatible contents are not leaking,
mixing and doing their incompatible thing!! We also recommend
that you keep a tag on the tank to remind users to leak test
before each use.
- All cylinders should be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated
surroundings and away from all flammable substances including
oil, greases, and gasoline.
- DO NOT subject any part of a cylinder to a temperature
higher than 125oF.
- Cylinders should not be located where objects may strike
or fall on them.
- Store cylinders by gas type, separating oxidizing gases
from flammable gases.
- All cylinders and compressed gases (full or empty) should
be properly fastened and supported by straps, belts, buckles,
or chains at 1/3 and 2/3 height of the bottle to prevent them from falling and causing bodily
harm.
- A maximum of two cylinders per restraint is preferred.
- Cylinders should not be stored in damp areas, or near
salt, corrosive chemicals, fumes, heat, or direct sunlight
- DO NOT SMOKE in areas where there are flammable gases
being used or stored.
- DO NOT extinguish a flame caused by a gas until the gas
source has been shut off.
- A cylinder should only be moved while strapped to a wheel
cart to ensure stability. When storing or moving cylinders,
always attach safety caps.
- DO NOT heat the cylinder or place a cylinder where it
may become part of an electrical circuit.
- Compressed gases must be handled as high-energy sources
and dangerous projectiles.
- All cylinders should be checked for damage prior to use.
- DO NOT repair damaged cylinders yourself. Damaged or defective
cylinders, valves, etc., must be taken out of use immediately
and returned to the manufacturer for repair.
- Each regulator valve should be inspected annually. Never
force valve or regulator connections. Threads and the configuration
of valve outlets are different for each family of gases
to prevent mixing of incompatible gases. DO
NOT use lubrication on valve regulators.
Revised: 5/1/2008