| |
|
SECTION 5: Compressed Gas
Cylinders
Compressed gases can be toxic, flammable, oxidizing,
corrosive, inert, or some combination of these hazards. In addition to
the chemical hazards, the amount of energy resulting from the compression
of the gas makes a compressed gas cylinder a potential rocket. Appropriate
care in the handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders is essential.
Following are general recommendations.
- Know
and Understand Gas Properties: Know and understand the properties,
uses, and safety precautions before using any gas or gas mixture.
Consult Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for safety information
on the gases that you will be using.
- Check
Equipment: Leak test lines and equipment before they
are used. Lines and equipment should be designed and maintained to handle
full cylinder pressure. Materials of construction should be compatible
with the gases being used.
- When
in Doubt, Contact Environmental Health & Safety: If
you are unfamiliar with the hazards associated
with a particular gas or unsure of the correct handling and storage
procedures, call Environmental
Health & Safety at 8-5294.
The following is an overview of the primary hazards
to be avoided when handling and storing compressed gases.
- Fire and Explosion: Fire and explosion are the primary hazards associated
with flammable gases, oxygen, and other oxidizing gases. Flammable
gases can be ignited by static electricity or by a heat source, such
as a flame or hot object. Oxygen and other oxidizing gases do not
burn, but will support the combustion of flammable materials. Increasing
the concentration of an oxidizer accelerates the rate of combustion.
Materials that are nonflammable under normal conditions may burn
in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.
- High
Pressure: All compressed gases are potentially hazardous because
of the high pressure stored inside the cylinder. A sudden release
of pressure can cause injuries by propelling a cylinder or whipping
a line.
- Improper
Handling of Cylinders: Compressed gas cylinders are heavy and awkward
to handle. Improper handling of cylinders could result in sprains,
strains, falls, bruises, and broken bones. Other hazards such as
fire, explosion, chemical burns, poisoning, and cold burns could
occur if gases accidentally escape from the cylinder due to mishandling.
Handling, Storage, and Use of Gases (top)
Only persons familiar with the hazards should handle
compressed gas cylinders. All cylinder movement should be done with material
handling equipment. Always secure the cylinders when in storage or use.
Safety glasses, work gloves, and appropriate work shoes should be worn.
Compressed gas cylinders should not be subjected
to any mechanical shock that could cause damage to their valves or pressure
relief devices. Cylinders should
not be dropped, dragged, slid, or used as rollers for moving material
or other equipment.
Cylinder
caps perform two functions. First, they protect the
valve on the top of the cylinder from damage if it is knocked over.
Second, if gas is accidentally released through the valve, the cap
will vent
the
gas out of both sides, minimizing the likelihood that the cylinder
will topple. Cylinder caps should not be removed until the cylinder
is secured
in place and ready for use.
Cylinder
Storage Precautions (top)
Several precautions should be taken during storage
of compressed gas cylinders. Full
and empty cylinders should be stored separately. Cylinders should be stored
upright and secured at all times. Oxidizers and flammable gases should
be stored in areas separated by at least 20 feet or by a noncombustible
wall.
Cylinders should not be stored near radiators or
other heat sources. If storage
is outdoors, protect cylinders against weather extremes and damp ground
to prevent rusting.
Things
to Keep Away from Cylinders
Several precautions should be taken to prevent
the release of high-pressure gases, fire, and explosion. Compressed gas cylinders should not be exposed
to sparks, flames, or temperatures above 125°F. Cylinders should not be
places where they could come into contact with any electrical apparatus
or circuits.
Smoking and open flames should not be permitted
in areas used for storage of oxygen or flammable gas cylinders. Never
permit oil, grease, or other combustible substances to come into contact
with oxygen or other oxidizing gas cylinders, valves, and systems.
Returning
Cylinders
When returning an empty cylinder, close the valve
before shipment, leaving 25 psi of residual pressure in the cylinder.
Replace the valve cap and any valve outlet caps or plugs originally shipped
with the cylinder. If repair is needed on a cylinder or its valve,
be
sure to mark it and return it to the supplier.
Most leaks occur at the valve in the top of the
cylinder and may involve the valve threads valve stem, valve outlet,
or
pressure relief devices. Personnel should not attempt to repair leaking
cylinders.
Where action can be taken without serious exposure
to workers, move the cylinder to an isolated, well-ventilated area
(away from combustible
materials if the cylinder contains a flammable or oxidizing gas)
and contact Public
Safety. Otherwise, evacuate the area and immediately
contact Public Safety.
 Previous
 Next
|
