Here we'll take a look at the dangers of Industrial Gas Cylinders in the workplace and how to prevent life-threatening accidents.
Thousands of industrial accidents are recorded every year that involve the use of Industrial Gas Cylinders. The risk of accident and injury arises from the compressed gases within the cylinder and the heavily pressurized metal cylinder itself. This is why there are strict regulations on the use, operation and storage of Industrial Gas Cylinders. All people working with or in the immediate vicinity of compressed industrial gases should be made aware of the danger through accurate and clearly visible signage and appropriate training. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure all practical and reasonable precautions are taken to ensure personal safety in the workplace.
Common Dangers of Industrial Gas Cylinders
Depending on the contents of the Industrial Gas Cylinder, the hazards that may arise may be one of several or a combination:
Breaking Of a Metal Cylinder When an Explosion Occurs
Release of Toxic Gases
The Release of Flammable Gases
Cylinder Fall Accident
Inert gases are both colourless and odourless, and can escape undetected in the atmosphere, quickly reducing the oxygen concentration in the air, causing asphyxiation; High concentrations of CO2 can cause death in less than 15 minutes.
The corrosive gases are capable of chemically attacking a variety of materials, including fire-resistant protective clothing, and can quickly destroy skin tissue. The release of toxic gases is a toxic hazard with very low concentrations often harmful to health.
Risk Assessment
All employers are obliged by law to conduct a risk assessment if they use toxic or corrosive gases on site and within their processes. There should also be a further assessment where employees are required to handle Industrial Gas Cylinders in the course of their duties.
The details of the risk assessment must be documented and maintained by the employer. The results and conclusions of the risk assessment should include details of operating procedures, storage arrangements and safety, corrective and preventive actions taken, and training initiatives.
Main Causes of Accidents
Regardless of industry, most accidents involving Industrial Gas Cylinders can usually be attributed to any one of the following areas of negligence:
Defective Equipment Due To Damage or Poor Maintenance
Poor Handling
Insufficient and Poor Storage
Poorly Ventilated Working Condition
Wrong Filling Process
Inadequate Training and Supervision
Wrong Installation
Lack of Maintenance
Guidance for Storage of Gas Cylinders
Industrial Gas Cylinders require specific storage conditions to reduce the risk of accident and injury.
In addition to the specific storage conditions of certain gases, basic good practices required by industry regulations include:
Store Gas Cylinders in Well Ventilated, Covered and Safe Conditions
Store Gas Cylinders Upright and Securely To Avoid Falling
Separately Identify and Store Filled and Empty Gas Cylinders
Separate Gas Cylinders According To the Type of Gas; Flammable, Inert, Oxidant Etc
LPG Cylinders Should Not Be Placed Within Three Meters of Other Gas Cylinders
Storage of heavier-than-air compressed gases, such as liquefied and cryogenic gases, must take into account the hazards of gas accumulation in low-lying areas such as drains, basements and ducts.
Training
It is important and a regulatory requirement for employers to train employees in the use, operation and storage of compressed gas products so that employees understand the meaning of the various symbols, relevant safety precautions, and personal safety requirements.
Therefore, anyone who examines or tests, refurbishes, fills or uses a gas cylinder in the course of his/her duties must be suitably trained and possess the necessary skills to perform his job safely. All training must be carried out by a suitably trained or qualified person; Records of training must be maintained by the employer.
Industrial Gas Cylinder Valve Maintenance
Poor maintenance of industrial gas cylinder valves can lead to accidents and injuries if not properly and timely managed. Grit, dirt, dust and oil or water entering the cylinder valve can compromise safety by causing gas leakage. A visual inspection of cylinders and fittings should be performed for signs of persistent mechanical damage due to operation and operation.
Periodic inspection and maintenance of Industrial Gas Cylinders is good practice and helps to shield continued safe working condition of equipment. Regular audits of the use, maintenance and storage conditions of compressed products should be carried out along with records of these activities.
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