Store compressed gas cylinders in compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and fire and building codes that apply to your workplace. These laws may specify the permissible types of storage areas and the construction of these storage areas. They can also specify the types and amounts of different gases that can be stored in each secure storage area.
The three sides of the cylinder cause problems. First, their weight means they can cause damage or injury if they fall or are allowed to roll over. Second, their materials may be explosive, flammable, corrosive, or pose any hazard to nearby workers. Finally, the fact that they are pressurized means they can become projectiles if the valve breaks—and a regulator that breaks apart can fly off the worktop at dangerously high speeds.
The Best Way To Protect Workers From The Dangers Associated With High Pressure Gas Cylinders Is To Follow The Five Basic Safety Measures Outlined Here.
Store Cylinders Properly
The safe way to store a High Pressure Gas Cylinders depends on the type of cylinder, its contents and the nature of the site. Keep cylinders away from sunlight, sources of flame or sparks, and away from areas where temperatures may exceed 125 Fahrenheit. Separate them by the types of threats to their content. For example, do not store any type of oxidizer within 20 feet of flammable gases unless the cylinders are separated by a firewall.
While most types of cylinders can be safely stored on their sides, acetylene cylinders are unique and must be placed vertically. Acetylene is naturally volatile, so it is usually dissolved in acetone and stored in a cylinder filled with a porous material such as diatomaceous earth or crushed firebrick (which helps keep it stable). If the cylinder is left on its side, liquid acetone can leak through the valve, creating a fire hazard and reducing gas quality. In addition, you should never use copper fittings or tubing with an acetylene tank.
Keep Cylinder Safe
A cylinder that falls over can easily crush a leg, damage machinery, or cause many other problems. A cylinder rolling through a jobsite can be petrifying. It is therefore important to secure the cylinders properly, whether with straps, guards or chains. Do not remove the cap from the High Pressure Gas Cylinders until it is secure.
At some workplaces, "dog bones" may be used to secure cylinders to each other when other means of securing them are not available. While this approach may work, be careful that the number of cylinders being secured in this way does not exceed the capacity of the "dog bone" or other equipment being used, and make sure that the cylinders cannot fall off.
Inspect Cylinders before Carrying or Using
Workers using cylinders are the first line of defense against problems. Paying close attention to the condition of cylinders and valves reduces the chances of accidents.
Start by checking the cylinder for any manifest damage. If the cylinder does not have a legible description of the contents, do not use it. Some workers simply verify that the High Pressure Gas Cylinders is the correct color, but the color used varies by manufacturer, so this is not a safe method.
Make sure the cylinder is equipped with the correct regulator, and inspect the regulator and cylinder valves to verify that they have not been compromised by solvent, dirt, or lubricants such as grease or oil.
Always use a cart or basket when you need to move cylinders, as pulling or rolling them can cause damage. Also, make sure the protective cap is in place before moving the cylinder, and never move a cylinder that still has a regulator attached.
Open Them Carefully
Take your time when opening the valve, as opening too quickly high pressure gas can damage the regulator and valve seats. Begin by removing the spring force of the regulator by loosening the pressure adjustment screw before opening the valve, and making sure the outlet is pointing away from you. Be sure to use the right tool. Using a pair of pliers can harm the valve and create a dangerous situation. Leaving the valve key or other device in place will make it easier to quickly close the valve in an emergency.
If the valve appears to be harmed, do not open it. Also, do not use lubricant to try to loosen the valve or stuck components. Notify your gas supplier so they can inspect it and make necessary repairs.
When using High Pressure Gas Cylinders with flammable gases such as acetylene, do not open the valve more than three-quarters of a second to reduce the risk of explosion, and to ensure that you can close the valve quickly if necessary. . Also, if you are working with gases that may be toxic or cause irritation do not open the valve unless you are under a fume hood or protected by a similar ventilation device.
Procedures to Follow For Empty Cylinder
Instead of completely emptying the cylinder, always release some residual pressure. Be sure to close the valve completely so that moisture or other contaminants do not get into the tank. Replace the protective cap, label the cylinder as empty, and place it away from the filled cylinder.
Comments