Gas Cylinders

Let us use common sense when dealing with pressurized cylinders to: (1) protect the cylinder itself, (2) protect the property surrounding the cylinders, and (3) protect the people handling the cylinders. It is important to know the rules for safe use, storage, and movement of pressurized cylinders just as it is important to know why cylinders must be protected.

If a neck of a pressurized cylinder should be accidentally broken off, the energy released would be sufficient to propel the cylinder to over three-quarters of a mile in height. A standard 250 cubic foot cylinder pressurized to 2,500 PSIG can become a rocket attaining a speed of 34 miles per hour in one-tenth of a second after venting from the broken cylinder connection.

The following practices should be followed in a safe storage, moving and use to prevent accidents with cylinders.
Storage
1. Secure empty and full cylinders to a wall or vertical support by use of chains, etc., in an upright position.

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

3. Mark empty cylinders "EMPTY" or "MT".

4. Keep valves closed on empty cylinders.

5. Keep empty and full cylinders segregated.

6. Keep oxygen cylinders a minimum distance of 20 feet from flammable gas cylinders or combustible materials. If this cannot be done, separation by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high having a fire-rating of at least one hour would suffice.

7. Leaking cylinders should be taken outdoors away from sources of ignition. Such cylinders should be plainly tagged, and the supplier should be promptly notified.

8. Cylinders shall be kept away from sources of heat.

9. Cylinders shall be kept away from electrical wiring where they may become part of the circuit.

10. Storage areas shall be well ventilated. Moving

11. Use a cylinder cart with the chain restraint in place.

12. Don't use slings or electric magnets.

13. Don't use cylinders as rollers for moving material or equipment.

14. Don't use valve protective caps for moving or lifting.

15. Don't drop a cylinder, or permit them to strike each other violently or to be handled roughly.

16. Don't use bars to pry cylinders loose when frozen to the ground. The use of warm (not boiling) water is recommended.

17. It is good practice that employees have foot protection when engaged in moving or transporting cylinders.

18. Unless cylinders are secured on a special truck, regulators shall be removed, valves closed, and valve protective covers in place before cylinders are moved.