Compressed gas cylinders present unique hazards due to their high pressure contents. Proper identification, handling, use and storage of cylinders is important for safety. Key safety steps include using cylinder carts to move cylinders securely, checking for leaks whenever connecting cylinders, keeping cylinders upright and valves protected when in use or storage, and ensuring any equipment used is compatible. Special precautions apply for corrosive, toxic or flammable gas cylinders.

1. Copyright Progressive Business
Blue Ridge Safety Association
Safety Presentations
Compressed Gasses

2. Copyright Progressive Business
What is a Compressed Gas?
 Definition:
– Any materials or mixtures in containers having an
absolute pressure in excess of 40 psi at 70F or in
excess of 104 psi at 130F
 Examples:
– Argon, carbon dioxide, acetylene, helium,
hydrogen chloride, oxygen, nitrogen, and
hydrogen

3. Copyright Progressive Business
Chemical Hazards
 Corrosive
 Toxic
 Flammable
 Reactive
 Cryogenic
 Asphyxiant

4. Copyright Progressive Business
Compressed Gases
Present Unique Hazards
 High Pressure: potential explosive or
missile
 Diffusion of leaking gases can result in:
– Toxic atmosphere
– Asphyxiation
– Explosive concentration of flammable gas
 Lower ignition points: fire/explosion
 Lower boiling points: can cause frostbite

5. Copyright Progressive Business
Identification & Labeling
 Contents of cylinders must
be labeled
– Never work with
unidentified cylinders
 Always read the label
– Don’t rely on color codes
 Never destroy, deface, or
remove labels
 Inspect for damage

6. Copyright Progressive Business
Before Working with Gas
 Review MSDS sheets
– Specific hazards
– Special precautions in handling and use
– First-aid requirements for emergency
situations
– Emergency response information
 Follow personal protective equipment
requirements
– Goggles, face shields, gloves

7. Copyright Progressive Business
Moving Cylinders Safely
 Use cylinder carts or
hand trucks
 Secure cylinders with
chain or strap
 Ensure protective valves
are in place
 Handle as if full

8. Copyright Progressive Business
How Not to Move Cylinders
 Lift using protective valve caps
 Roll or drag
 Drop cylinders or allow cylinders to strike
each other
 Carry multiple cylinders by hand
 Transport with regulator installed
 Use forklift or other device without
approved attachment

9. Copyright Progressive Business
Connecting Valves & Regulators
 Check threads on valves, regulators, fittings
– Look for signs of damage
– Clear cylinder valves of dust or dirt
 Make sure regulators match valves
– Use only regulators & fittings designated by the
manufacturer for that gas cylinder
– Never force fittings
– Never modify fittings - no substitute solutions

10. Copyright Progressive Business
Safely Opening the Cylinder
 Release adjusting screw
 Position valve away from
face/eyes
 Open valve slowly
 If valve won’t open
– It may be damaged
– Do not use pliers, wrench,
or other “cheaters” to
force it open.

11. Copyright Progressive Business
How to Check for Leaks
Whenever cylinder is reconnected:
 Ensure lines & fittings are tight & hoses in
good condition
 Cover cylinder with soapy water
– Check for bubbles escaping
 If leak is discovered, inform supervisor
– If safe to handle, move to outside location

12. Copyright Progressive Business
While Using Cylinder
 Keep cylinder in upright position
 Away from heat or ignition sources
 Away from major traffic flow
 Valve accessible at all times
– Keep valve spindle key in stem (if applicable)
 Cylinder valve closed when not in use

13. Copyright Progressive Business
What to Avoid During Use
 Never leave an open cylinder unattended
 Never direct a stream of gas toward
a co-worker
 Never use compressed gas to blow dust
 Never attempt to repair a cylinder valve
 Never put oil or grease around fittings

14. Copyright Progressive Business
Special Precautions
 Corrosives: Know nearest eyewash location
 Acetylene: Never use copper tubing
 Oxygen: No contact with oil or grease
 Toxics or Flammables
– Use required flow restrictors
– Use toxic only in well-ventilated areas

15. Copyright Progressive Business
Emergency Response
 Poison Gas
– Evacuate area
– Close door
 Flammable
– Turn off sources
of ignition
 Inert Gas
– Place in well-ventilated area
– Notify supervisor

16. Copyright Progressive Business
When Finished With Cylinder
 Close main cylinder valve
 Bring regulator pressure gauges to zero
 Remove regulators
 Replace protective cap
 Return to storage area

17. Copyright Progressive Business
Empty Cylinders
 Cylinder is empty at 25 psi
 Replace valve caps even if empty
 Mark cylinders “empty” or “MT”
 Never refill a cylinder
 Separate empty and full cylinders
during storage
 Never discard a cylinder in normal trash

18. Copyright Progressive Business
Cylinder Storage: Storage Area
 Storage areas are:
– Designed only for cylinders with appropriate
hazard signs posted
– Well-ventilated, level, and dry
– Kept at temperatures <125F or >-21F
 Keep cylinders away from:
– Sources of heat or readily ignitable substances
– Corrosive chemicals & fumes
– Electrical wiring

19. Copyright Progressive Business
Cylinder Storage (continued)
 Store in compatible
groups
 Store in upright
position w/ protective
valve caps on
 Secure to fixed support
using straps or chains
 Never store near high
traffic areas

20. Copyright Progressive Business
Summary
 Use proper PPE and know the dangers
 Move using cart and secure with straps
 Keep valve caps on when not in use
 Equipment must be compatible and system
leak-free
 Never fully empty cylinders
 Store in designated locations

21. Copyright Progressive Business
Thank you for supporting BRSA
We appreciate your comments about
the effectiveness of this training
method and the delivery system
E-mail your comments to
comments@blueridgesafety.org