SAFE HANDLING OF COMPRESSED GASES

• A compressed gas is any material or mixture having in the container an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi (pounds per square inch) at 70° F or, regardless of pressure at 70° F, having an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130° F, or any liquid material having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi absolute at 100° F as determined by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Test D-323. 

• Carefully read the label before using or storing compressed gases.  The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) will provide any special hazard information.  Always use the minimum size cylinder required to perform the work. 

• All cylinders must be marked as to content.  Do not accept cylinders with unidentifiable contents. 

• Cylinders of compressed gases must be handled as high energy sources.  If they topple over, they can take off like a missile.  When storing or moving a cylinder, have the cap securely in place to protect the stem.  Use suitable racks, straps, chains or stands to support cylinders.  Compressed gas cylinders also pose a crush hazard to  hands and feet. 

• Do not store full and empty cylinders together.  Serious "suckback" can occur when an empty cylinder is mistakenly attached to a pressurized system.  This could possibly form an explosive mixture. 

• Group cylinders by type of gas.  For example, store oxidizing gases at least 20 feet away from flammable gases. 

• Bond and ground all cylinders, lines, and equipment used with flammable compressed gases. 

• Do not expose cylinders to temperature extremes. 

• Always use the correct regulator.  Do not use a regulator adapter.  Oil or grease on the high pressure side of an oxygen cylinder can cause an explosion.  Do not lubricate an oxygen regulator. 

• Cylinders of toxic, flammable or reactive gases should be stored and used in a fume hood or with local ventilation. 

• Open the cylinder valve slowly.  (When practical, never turn main cylinder more than a quarter turn). 

• Never bleed a cylinder completely empty.  Leave a slight pressure to keep contaminants out. 

• Always wear safety glasses when handling compressed gases. 

• Avoid rolling or dragging cylinders, even for short distances.  Move cylinders only on a handtruck.  Use chains to secure them to the handtruck.  Do not lift cylinders by the cap.

• For more information, contact your laboratory supervisor, or the EHRS Department.

View additional information on Compressed Gas Storage in Section V, 3.f.