4.4 Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety

These guidelines provide information for safely receiving, handling, and using compressed gas cylinders.

Managers and supervisors should review the following procedures and requirements with those who ship, receive, handle, or use gas cylinders in their jobs:

• Ensure that proper labels and markings are maintained on cylinders.

• Install valve-protector caps on all cylinders when not in use and during transportation.

• Secure all cylinders in a vertical position and around the body of the cylinder during transportation, while in use, or during storage.

• Store cylinders in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight and sources of heat, sparks, and electrical current.

• Do not tamper with or bypass safety devices or valve equipment.

• Do not use oil or grease on attachments for oxygen cylinders.

• For welding operations, turn off oxygen and acetylene at the cylinder valves, and drain lines when not in use.

• In storage, separate oxygen cylinders from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease).

• Store cylinders at a minimum distance of 30 feet (9 m) from combustible materials or inside a 5-foot-high (1.5 m) noncombustible barrier. The barrier should have a fire-resistance rating of at least a half hour.

• Treat empty cylinders as if they were full.

• Alterations or repairs to cylinders or valves should be made by the cylinder supplier.

• Valves that do not have handwheels or other tools approved by the supplier should have a special wrench designed for the valve spindle.

• Cylinders should have approved pressure regulators (if required in your location).