Compressed Gas Safety

1. Compressed Gas Safety

2. General Rules • Compressed gases and cylinders must be properly stored, transported and used to prevent injury and accidents. 

3. Inspection • Regulators, cylinders and cylinder valves must be inspected regularly to ensure safe operation. 

4. Hazards • oxygen displacement • explosion & fire hazards • toxic effects • physical hazards of a ruptured cylinder

5. Hazard Controls • Color coding of cylinders • Cylinder inspection • Employee training • Properly designed storage areas • Segregation of empty & full cylinders • Segregation of incompatible gasses • Use of correct pressure regulators

6. OSHA Requires… • Our company to determine that compressed gas cylinders under company control are in a safe condition to the extent that this can be determined by visual inspection

7. OSHA Requires… • Visual and other inspections must be conducted as described in the DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations 49 CFR parts 171-179 & 14 CFR part 103

8. OSHA Requires… • Where those regulations are not applicable, visual and other inspections must be conducted in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlets C-6-1968 and C-8-1962.

9. Personal Protective Equipment • Use safety glasses • Use face shield & other required PPE for cryogenic gases • Use air supplied respirators for toxic or oxygen displacing gasses

10. Pre-Use Safety • Check regulators for damage before using • Check regulator valve shut before installing on bottle • Inspect all hoses before use

11. Safe Storage

12. Safe Storage • Cylinders can be damaged or corrode if not stored or handled properly.  • Store cylinders in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, fire-resistant area that complies with federal, state and local regulations.

13. Safe Storage • Use chains or sturdy straps prevent tipping, falling or rolling. • Firmly attach cylinders to a bench top, wall, or  holding cage.

14. Safe Storage • Don't store acetylene cylinders on their side • Store empty and full cylinders in separate areas • Label all cylinders EMPTY or FULL

15. Safe Storage • Gases that may react with each other must be stored separately. • Keep oxygen stored away from flammables, grease and oil products

16. Safe Usage

17. Safe Usage • Use 30 psi or less when using compressed air for cleanup • Use safety glasses or face shield when handling or connecting gas cylinders

18. Safe Usage • Do not vent flammable gases inside a building • Keep cylinder valve closed and cap installed when cylinder is not in use.

19. Safe usage • Secure bottles in upright position at work site to prevent tipping over • Open bottle valves and regulators slowly • Shut the cylinder valve when gas is not in use

20. Safe Usage • Open cylinder valves slowly. • Never fully open cylinder cylinder valves. • Never bleed a cylinder below 25 psi.

21. Safe Moving

22. Safe Moving • Transport secured bottles with hand truck • Close all valves and replace caps before moving • Never roll or drag cylinders • Move only one cylinder at a time

23. Safe Actions

24. Safe Actions • If a bottle valve leaks - take outdoors and slowly empty bottle • Do not smoke near compressed gas bottles

25. Safe Actions • Never rely on the color of the cylinder for identification. • Never attempt to repair a cylinder or valve