Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety

Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety

Definition:

  • Any gas which is stored under pressure in cylinder is called Compressed Gas.
  • Main types of compressed gasses are Liquified, Non-Liquified and Dissolved.

Safe Storage:

  • Mark Storage area properly and make it designated for cylinder only.
  • Always stored compressed gas cylinder in a secure upright condition.
  • Ensure valve is covered with valve protection cap.
  • Always store different gas cylinder separately or maintain safe distance between them.
  • Don`t temper compressed gas cylinder.
  • Always store gas cylinder under shade to avoid direct sunlight and high temperature. Also ensure no risk of stuck by, fall on or knocked by any object or equipment.
  • Always store full and empty cylinders separately, remove empty cylinders from workplace.
  • Always make fire extinguisher available at storage of compressed gas cylinder.
  • Keep compressed gas cylinder away at safe distance from welding and cutting operation or any area where are there is spark or open flame.
  • Do not place cylinder where there are chances of electrical circuit contact.
  • Do not store Compressed Gas Cylinder in confined spaces.
  • Follow color coding and signages for identification during storage.
  • Always follow Compressed Gas Cylinder rules and regulation as per legal requirement.
  • Material Safety Data sheet (MSDS) shall be available and accessible to workmen.
  • Ensure Compressed Gas Cylinders should be labelled and clearly identifiable.
Safe storage cage of Compressed Gas Cylinders
Storage Cage for Compressed Gas Cylinder

Safe Handling:

  • Always inspect Compressed Gas Cylinder and its accessory prior to use every time.
  • Always open valves slowly with dual care.
  • Keep cylinder secured while in use.
  • Always give compressed gas cylinder for filling to authorized agency.
  • Never try to fill from one Compressed Gas Cylinder to another.
  • Never attempt to repair valves or regulators.
  • Never oil and grease to valve or to compressed gas cylinders.
  • Always use designated key for opening valve of compressed Gas cylinder wherever required.
  • Use of approved regulator for Compressed Gas cylinder as per legal requirement.
  • Always get Compressed Gas Cylinders from government authorized distributor.
  • In case of any leakage don`t try to correct it, immediately move cylinder to safe location far from building and contact Safety department immediately.
  • Make sure pressure relieve valve are in place to monitor pressure of Compressed Gas Cylinder.
  • Always remove compressed Gas Cylinders from work area after completion of work. Close valve and cover it with protection cap while not in use.
  • Only trained and experienced workmen allowed to handle Compressed Gas Cylinders with suitable personal protective equipment or PPE.
Safe Handling of Compressed Gas Cylinder
Handling of Compressed Gas Cylinder

Safe Transportation:

  • Never roll compressed gas cylinder on the road to transport.
  • Keep cylinder upright while transporting.
  • Remove all attachments while moving Compressed Gas Cylinders.
  • Never transport Compressed Gas Cylinders by hooking or hoisting with their collar.
  • Use appropriate hand truck or cart for transportation of Compressed Gas Cylinders.
  • Avoid dropping/Bumping of cylinder against walls, floor, structure, etc.
  • Only trained and competent person allowed for transportation activity.
Safe Transportation of Compressed Gas Cylinder
Safe Transportation of Compressed Gas Cylinder

Some Common Hazards associated with Compressed Gas Cylinder:

  • Flammable.
  • Explosive.
  • Toxicity.
  • Corrosive.
  • Highly pressurized.
  • Asphyxiation (Due to displacement of Oxygen or Enrichment of Compressed Gas).
  • Fire.
  • Physical hazards like fall on, stuck by, caught between, etc.
  • Health effects in case of contact with Compressed Gas.
  • Projectile Potential (In case of valve breaks, it can be projected across work environments, flying at high speed and can harm whoever comes in path).

Note: Please refer MSDS to get gas specific details of hazards, first aid, etc. Do Job Safety Analysis & Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment thoroughly.