Gas Cylinders Dos and Donts

Oxygen, Acetylene, Argon, Air, LPG, Nitrogen, and other gasses are found in metal cylinders on most every construction site. These portable containers, used for transporting and storing compressed gasses, can cause serious injuries. If used incorrectly, gas cylinders can cause an explosion, fire, or other hazardous situation. Handle them with care and follow appropriate safety rules. Let's review some of the safety do's and don'ts for using compressed gas.

Do's

I .You must always keep cylinders in a secure and upright position.

2. Keep the protective valve cap in place when a cylinder is not in use.

3. Mark the cylinder 'Empty’ or 'MT' when the gas has been used.

4. Keep oil and grease away from oxygen cylinders (oil and oxygen can ignite spontaneously).

5. Open valves slowly, using the valve wheel or T-handle wrench provided by the supplier.

6. Store oxygen and fuel gas cylinders at least 20 feet apart or separated by a 5 foot high noncombustible barrier.

7. If the cylinder is too heavy to handle use a hand truck to move it, or ask a co-worker for help.

Don'ts

1.Don't permit sparks, flames, or molten metal to contact the cylinder.

2. Never use grease or oil on valves.

3. Don't lift cylinders without safety caps in place.

4.Never use oxygen to blow or dust off your work clothes.

5. Don't roll cylinders horizontally on the ground.

6. Never drop cylinders on the ground or other work surfaces.

7. Don't store oxygen cylinders with other fuel gas cylinders.

8. Never use a leaking gas cylinder. Take it out of service immediately.

Never mix or match acetylene gauges with oxygen gauges.