Handling of Compressed Gas Cylinders

Regarding OSHA Standard: 1910.101 Handling of Compressed Gas Cylinders

Moving Cylinders

• Use a cylinder cart and secure cylinders with a chain
• Don't use the protective valve caps for moving or lifting cylinders
• Don't drop a cylinder, or permit them to strike each other violently or be handled roughly
• Unless cylinders are secured on a special cart, regulators shall be removed, valves closed and protective valve caps in place before cylinders are moved

 

Use of Cylinders

• Be sure all connections are tight. Use soapy water to locate leaks
• Keep cylinders valves, regulators, couplings, hose and apparatus clean and free of oil and grease
• Keep cylinders away from open flames and sources of heat. Propane cylinders should be at least 8 feet away from the portable heaters they supply.
• Safety devices and valves shall not be tampered with, nor repairs attempted
• Use flashback arrestors and reverse-flow check valves to prevent flashback when using oxyfuel systems
• Regulators shall be removed when moving cylinders, when work is completed, and when cylinders are empty
• Cylinders shall be used and stored in an upright position
• The cylinder valve should always be opened slowly. Always stand away from the face and back of the gauge when opening the cylinder valve
• When a special wrench is required to open a cylinder or manifold valve, the wrench shall be left in place on the valve stem when  in use; this precaution is taken so the gas supply can be shut off quickly in case of an emergency; and that nothing shall be placed on top of a cylinder that may damage the safety device or interfere with the quick closing of the valve

Things Not To Do :

• Never roll a cylinder to move it
• Never carry a cylinder by the valve
• Never leave an open cylinder unattended
• Never leave a cylinder unsecured
• Never force improper attachments on to the wrong cylinder
• Never grease or oil the regulator, valve, or fittings of an oxygen cylinder
• Never refill a cylinder
• Never use a flame to locate gas leaks
• Never attempt to mix gases in a cylinder
• Never discard pressurized culindeers in the normal trash