Things to know about Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety

Three features of cylinders pose problems. First, their weight means that can reason damage if they fall over. Second, their contents may be explosive, flammable, may posture any number of risks to nearby workers. Finally, the fact that they are pressurized means that they can become projectiles if a valve breaks off and a regulator that becomes disconnected can also fly through the worksite at dangerously high speed. The best way to protect workers from the risks associated with compressed gas cylinders is to follow the basic safety practices.

Store cylinders correctly: The safe way to store cylinders depends on the type of cylinder, its contents, and the nature of the site. Keep cylinders out of the sun, away from sources of flame or sparks, and out of areas in which temperatures may exceed 125oF. Separate them by the types of hazards their contents pose.

Maximum types of cylinders can be stored safely on their sides, acetylene cylinders must be kept vertical. Acetylene is integrally unstable, so it is usually dissolved into acetone and stored in a cylinder that has been filled with a porous material such as diatomaceous earth. If the cylinder is left on its side, the liquid acetone could outflow through the valve, creating a fire hazard and decreasing the quality of the gas. Never use copper fittings or tubing with acetylene tanks.

Keep cylinders secured: A cylinder that falls over can easily crush a foot, damage machinery, or many other problems. A cylinder rolling through a jobsite can be scary. That’s why it’s significant to correctly secure cylinders, whether that’s with straps, guards. Never remove the cap from a cylinder until it has been secured. On some sites, dog bones are used to secure cylinders to one another when other means of securing them are unavailable. While this method can work, be careful that the number of cylinders that are being secured this way doesn’t exceed the capacity of the dog bone, and ensure that the cylinders cannot fall over.

Inspect cylinders before using: The workers who use the cylinders are the first line of defense against issues. Paying close attention to the condition of the cylinders and valves reduces the chances that an accident will occur. Start by checking the cylinder for any apparent damage. If a cylinder doesn’t have a readable description of the contents, do not use it.

Make sure the cylinder is armed with the correct regulator, and inspect the regulator and cylinder valves to verify that they haven’t been compromised with solvent, dirt, such as grease or oil. When need to move a cylinder, always use a cart, because dragging or rolling them can create damage. Assure that the protective cap is in place before move the cylinder, and never move a cylinder that still has a regulator attached.

Open carefully: Take time when opening valves, because opening then too rapidly can cause high-pressure gas to damage the regulator and valve seats. Start by dismissing the regulator’s spring force by assistance off the pressure adjustment screw before open the valve, and assure the outlet is pointing away. Be sure to use the accurate tools. Using a pair of pliers can harm the valve and create a risky situation. Leaving the valve key or other tool in place will make it easier to close the valve fast in the event of an emergency.

If the valve seems to be damaged, do not open it. Don’t use lubrication to try to loosen stuck valves. Notify gas supplier so they can inspect it and perform any essential repairs. When using cylinders with flammable gases such as acetylene, do not open the valve more than three-quarters of a turn to minimize the risk of an explosion, and to confirm that can close the valve rapidly if required. Also, if working with gases that may be toxic, do not open the valve unless under a fume hood or protected by a comparable ventilation device.

Follow procedures for empty cylinders: Always leave some residual pressure in the cylinder, rather than emptying it all the way. Assure to close the valve totally, so that moisture other contaminants cannot get into the tank. Replace the protective cap, label the cylinder as empty, and store it away from occupied cylinders.

The compressed gas cylinders are used in many industries, with small and medium industries. Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety Training provide knowledge and awareness of compressed gas cylinder safety to all afraid, and hence, useful to enhance occupational safety and health in the industrial environment. This online training will help to gain knowledge and understanding of compressed gases used at workplaces and compressed gas cylinders which can cause many risks to workers.

Source:

https://ohsawareness.wordpress.com/2022/08/03/things-to-know-about-compressed-gas-cylinder-safety/

Ian Colin has published many articles regarding ISO Certification. Ian has rich experience as a online publisher and prepared various Certification documents as per ISO guideline since large amount of years in his professional career.