COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY

Chapter 44 - Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety

44.1 Responsibilities

44.1.1 Safety, Health and Medical Services Division

1. The Safety Training Office offers a basic course in compressed gas cylinder safety.
2. This 1.5-hour course covers the general hazards associated with compressed gases in cylinders, storage and handling of gas cylinders, safe work practices, pressure relief devices, toxic gas, and emergency preparedness.
3. The course, which is recommended for employees who work with compressed gas cylinders, is meant to supplement on-the-job, operation-specific training from the supervisors.

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44.2 Supervisors

1. Comply with the responsibilities listed for supervisors in Chapter 2, Ames Health and Safety Policy, section 2.3.3.1.
2. If the compressed gas cylinder(s) are to be used in a pressure system, comply with the requirements of Chapter 24, Shop Safety.
3. If the gas cylinder(s) are in a laboratory, comply with the requirements of Chapter 13, Chemical Hygiene Program.

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44.3 Employees

Comply with the responsibilities listed for employees in Chapter 2, section 2.3.6.

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44.4 Transport of Compressed Gas Cylinders

1. All transportation must comply with the DOT regulations pertaining to compressed gas cylinder transport.
2. Before transporting, perform a visual inspection of the cylinder to ensure it is not damaged or corroded.
3. Valve protection caps shall be securely in place when transporting cylinders.
4. Cylinders shall be handled with care.
5. They shall not be dropped, dragged, rolled or slid.
6. Ropes, chains, or slings shall not be used to suspend compressed gas cylinders unless provisions at the time of the manufacture have been made on the container for appropriate lifting attachments, such as lugs.
7. Cylinders shall be transported in an upright position using a suitable cart or hand truck. Ensure the cylinders are secured to the cart or hand truck, preferably with a chain.
8. Carts and trucks are considered transport devices. If used for other temporary purpose, such as storage or experimental setup, adequate seismic restraints shall be employed to prevent the cart or truck from toppling or lateral movement.
9. Cylinders that contain hazardous materials with the NFPA Placard Hazard rating of 3 or 4 and are transported within exit corridors or enclosures shall be transported on a cart with the following requirements:

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44.5 Storage of Compressed Gas Cylinders

1. Cylinders shall not be stored where they obstruct exit routes
2. Adequate spacing or segregation shall be provided for incompatible gases.
3. For example, flammable gases and oxidizing gases shall be separated by 20 feet or by a barrier not less than 5 ft tall and 1/2-hr fire rated.
4. Valve protection caps shall always be in place and hand tight, except when cylinders are in use.
5. Cylinders shall be secured to prevent toppling during an earthquake.
6. The use of two chains, located at one-third and two-thirds the height of the cylinder is the preferred method of securing each cylinder.
7. Each cylinder shall be individually secured. Gang chaining is prohibited.
8. Cylinders shall be stored where moving objects do not strike or fall on them.
9. Cylinders stored in the open shall not be exposed to direct sunlight or other sources that can elevate temperatures above 125 degrees F.
10. Cylinders stored in the open shall be protected against extremes of weather and, to prevent rusting, from the dampness of the ground.
11. Unless designed for use in the horizontal position, compressed gas cylinders shall be stored and used in a "valve end up" position.

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44.6. Use of Compressed Gas Cylinders

1. Wear safety glasses with side shields when working with compressed gas.
2. Before using the compressed gas cylinder, check the label and identify the
3. contents. Return the cylinder to the vendor if the label is missing or illegible.
4. Unless designed for use in the horizontal position, compressed gas cylinders shall be stored and used in a "valve end up" position.
5. Safety devices on cylinders shall neither be altered nor tampered.
6. Cylinders shall not be emptied completely. Leave about 20 psig to prevent the backflow of atmospheric air or other contaminants into the cylinder
7. A suitable pressure regulator shall be used to control the pressure supplied to a system of lower pressure rating than the compressed gas cylinder.
8. Ensure the regulator threads match those on the cylinder. The cylinder valve is typically stamped with the CGA number that can also be matched with the appropriate regulator.
9. Prior to opening the cylinder valve, turn the regulator valve clockwise. Open the cylinder valve slowly to avoid damaging the regulator or disrupting the connection.
10. Only use tools approved for tightening or loosening the connection.
11. Manufacturer recommendations for regulator maintenance and replacement should be followed.
12. A properly sized, pressure relief device shall be used to protect equipment/components downstream of the regulator.
13. A leak check shall be done to ensure connections and equipment under pressure are secure and do not leak gas.
14. Do not use oil or grease on cylinder valves, regulators, gauges or fittings.
15. n. The regulator for acetylene shall be set to deliver less than 15psig.

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44.7 Toxic Gas

44.7.1 In addition to the requirements noted in this chapter, refer to APR 8553.1, Environmental Work Instruction EWi5-3, Toxic Gas Management prior to purchase of the toxic gas.

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