What are the things to know about using and discharging compressed gas cylinders?

Compressed gas cylinders are used in a wide range of workplaces with medical facilities, restaurants, laboratories, and industrial locations. While different gases have different properties, they have similar risks and requirements regarding identification and handling. Every compressed gas cylinder should be treated as a possible high energy projectile and, therefore, gas cylinders should be protected at all times to prevent tipping. Risks associated with compressed gases contain oxygen displacement, fires, blasts, and toxic gas exposures, as well as the physical dangers associated with high pressure systems. Special storage use, and handling precautions are essential in order to protect against hazards.

Things should know about using and discharging compressed gas cylinders:

General precautions: When moving cylinders, securely attach them to an appropriate cylinder transporting device. At the site, chain or otherwise safe the cylinder in place. Eliminate the valve cap only after the cylinder has been safely fitted then check the cylinder valve and fixture. Grit, dirt, oil, dirty water can cause gas leaks if they get into the cylinder valve or gas connection. Never open a damaged valve. Contact gas supplier for advice.

There are four standard types of cylinder valve outlets to stop interchanges of gas handling equipment between incompatible gases. Use only the appropriate equipment for discharging a particular gas from its cylinder. Never use force connections between the cylinder valve outlet and gas handling equipment.

Whether a compressed gas is a liquefied, non-liquefied or dissolved gas, the gas supplier can give the best guidance on the most appropriate gas discharge equipment and the safest way to use it for a precise job. Do not lubricate any cylinder valves, fittings, regulator threads, apply jointing compounds and tape. Use only lubricants and sealants suggested by the gas supplier. Cylinders are stored in cold areas may have frozen valves. Use only warm water to thawing the valve otherwise bring the cylinder into a warm area and let it to thaw at room temperature. Use only suggested keys to open valves. Never use longer keys or modify keys to increase their power. Avoid using even the right key if it is badly worn. Any of these practices could easily damage the valve seat.

Always open valves on all gas discharge gear slowly. Quick opening of valves results in fast compression of the gas in the high-pressure passages leading to the seats. The fast compression can lead to temperatures high enough to burn out the regulator and valve seats. Many accidents including oxidizing gases result from burned out regulator and valve seats, frequently caused by opening valves too fast.

Do not use unnecessary force when opening cylinder valves - use no more than three quarters of a turn if probable. If a problem grows, the valve can then be closed fast. Leave keys on cylinders when valves are open so the valve can be closed rapidly in an emergency. Such as oxygen valves, have double seating. These valves should be opened, otherwise they may leak. Do not use extreme force when opening or closing a cylinder valve. When closing, turn it just sufficient to stop the gas flow totally.

When the cylinder is not in use, close cylinder valves. Do not stop the gas flow from a cylinder by just backing off on the regulator. Regulators can grow seat leaks, letting pressure to build up in equipment attached to the regulator. Close the cylinder valve first and then close the regulator.

Liquefied Gases: Manual valves are usually used on cylinders containing liquefied gases. Special liquid flow regulators are also available. If it is essential to eliminate liquid as well as gas from a cylinder, deliberate this with the gas supplier before ordering. Some liquefied gas cylinders have educator tubes which let the liquid to be withdrawn from the cylinder. The supplier can deliver suitable cylinders and special instructions. Do not remove gas quickly. The pressure in the cylinder could drop below the essential level. If this happens follow the gas supplier's advice.

Non-Liquefied and Dissolved Gases: Use automatic pressure regulators to decrease gas pressure from the high levels in the cylinder to safe levels for a specific job. There are two basic types of automatic pressure regulators: single-stage, and double-stage. Generally, double-stage regulators distribute a more continuous pressure under more specific conditions than single-stage regulators. Sometimes, manual flow controls are used on non-liquefied gases. Fine flow control can be obtained, but an operator must be present at all times. Manual flow controls do not automatically adjust to pressure build-ups in blocked systems.

Taking care of all such safety aspects is essential to confirm the safety of employees and workplace where compressed gas cylinders are used and stored. Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety training mainly covers the aspects of safe use, handling, transportation, storage, and disposal of gas cylinders. This training on compressed gas cylinder safety has been taking into deliberation the convenience of attendees and to rise their confidence while handling, using transporting and storing any compressed gas cylinder.

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.