General Requirements for Gas Cylinder Inspection

There are various types of gases stored in compressed gas cylinders with atmospheric gases, fuel gases, refrigerant gases, and toxic gases to name a few. The dangers associated with these gases contain oxygen displacement, explosion hazards, toxic effects, and the physical hazards of a broken cylinder. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration references general requirements for compressed gases in 29 CFR 1910.101.

Gas Cylinder Inspection: General Requirements

29 CFR 1910.101(a) states employers essential visually review compressed gas cylinders to confirm that they are in a "safe condition." Visual cylinder examinations should look for leaks, bulging, faulty valves, evidence of physical misuse, fire or heat damage, pitting, rusting or corrosion. If cylinders do not pass a visual inspection, they essential to be repaired and re-qualified per Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Visual and other inspections must be showed as defined in the DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 171 - 180). Where the DOT regulations are not appropriate, visual and other inspections must be showed as arranged in the Compressed Gas Association's (CGA) C-6 Standard for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders (revised June 28, 2013) and C-8 Standard for Requalification of DOT-3HT, CTC-3HT and TC-3HTM Seamless Steel Cylinders (revised November 6, 2017) pamphlets.

General requirements for Gas Cylinder Storage and Handling:

Per 29 CFR 1910.101(b), the in-plant handling, storage and use of all compressed gas cylinders must be in accordance with CGA Pamphlet P-1 Standard for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers. Gas cylinders should be correctly secured at all times to stop tipping, falling or rolling. They can be safe with straps or chains associated to a wall bracket or other fixed surface, or by use of a cylinder stand. The gas cylinders should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, fire-resisting area that encounters all applicable federal, state and local regulations. When a gas cylinder is unfilled or not being used, confirm that the valve is closed, the regulator detached and the valve protector cap is secured in place.

Gas cylinders should be transported using hand trucks intended for that purpose and the cylinders should be safe so that they do not tip, fall or roll. Appropriate lifting devices, such as cradles or nets, are essential when a crane, hoist or derrick is used to transport gas cylinders. Do not use magnets or slings to lift gas cylinders. Do not use the valve shield cap for lifting a gas cylinder. It is essential to take precautions so that gas cylinders are not fell or permitted to strike each other or other objects. Falling or striking may damage the gas cylinder valve, which could turn the gas cylinder into an unsafe torpedo with the probable to destroy property and/or harm personnel. Consult the Compressed gas cylinder safety training for complete information on the chemical confined in the gas cylinder. Precise chemical handling and storage precautions will be outlined. Always reference the OSHA specific requirements highlighted earlier if handling or storing Acetylene, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide, LPG, or Anhydrous Ammonia in facility.

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