Cylinders,
if mishandled, can rupture and violently release gas. Handle all cylinders with
care.
Gas cylinders are constructed and maintained in
accordance with the regulations of the Federal Department of Transportation
(DOT). Gases are compressed to 2000 to 5500 psig in high pressure cylinders.
Liquefied gases can be as cold as —450°F (—267°C). Sudden rupture of cylinder,
valve, or relief device can injure or kill and can cause property damage. If
gas is combustible an explosion hazard can exist. Therefore, be sure to understand
all of the following precautions.
Always read the cylinder label. Cylinders are clearly
labeled with the name of the gas to identify the contents. The cylinder contents
may have their own unique hazards. Know and follow the information on the cylinder
label. If the cylinder does not bear a gas label, or if the label is not legible,
DO NOT USES THE CYLINDER. Do not assume the identity of the gas by the cylinder
paint color or other means. Return the cylinder to the gas supplier for gas
identification or cylinder replacement.
Handle, store, and use cylinders in an upright and secured
position. Secure cylinders by chain or strap to suitable cylinder carts,
benches, wall, post, or racks. If transporting cylinders in vehicles such as
pick-up trucks, secure other cargo as well so it cannot roll or slide and
damage the cylinders. Transport with the cylinder valve closed and cap in
place. Never transport cylinders in the trunk of a car. Do not store cylinders
in confined unventilated spaces such as closets, drawers, cabinets or work
boxes.
Use suitable hand trucks or racks for moving cylinders.
Properly capped, cylinders may be moved for short distances by rolling them on
their base. Care must be taken to prevent the cylinder from rolling or sliding
out of control. Avoid rough handling. Do not slide or drag cylinders. Do not
bump cylinders. Do not allow cylinders to drop or tip over. Do not roll
cylinders on a wet or steel dock plate.
Unless in use, cylinder valves should be kept closed
at all times
When manually lifting cylinders, do not raise them
by the valve-protection cap, the cap may accidently and suddenly come loose.
Never use slings or electro-magnets for lifting and
transporting cylinders. Use a cradle or suitable platform when transporting by
crane or derrick.
Never tamper with safety-relief devices on gas cylinders.
They are provided to vent the contents to relieve excessive pressure within the
cylinders if the cylinders are exposed to free or excess temperatures.
Never use any gas from cylinder except through an
approved pressure-reducing regulator. A regulator is designed for reducing the
high pressure compressed contents in the cylinder to a constant, controllable
working pressure for the equipment in use. A single approved regulator may,
however, be connected to the outlet of manifold cylinders supplying one or more
use points. Do not adapt a regulator to use it with a gas for which it was not
designed. A regulator must be approved for the particular gas being handled.
Use the proper gas pressures recommended for the equipment as furnished by the
equipment manufacturer.
Never transfer any gas from one cylinder to another
or attempt to mix any gases in a cylinder. Any attempt to transfer or mix gases
could result in a cylinder rupture or explosion.
Cylinders should not be placed where they might
become part of an electrical circuit. They must never be used as a grounding
connection. Accidental arcing could cause a brittle local defect (arc-bum)
which could lead to eventual cylinder rupture. Refer to the following section
that covers arc-burn preventions.
Store high-pressure and liquefied-gas cylinders in a
separate, dry, well-ventilated room, do not let full or empty cylinders stand
around and clutter up work areas. They may interfere with operations, and they
may be subjected to arc-burn or other damage.
Full and empty cylinders should be stored separately.
Storage location should be arranged so that the old stock of cylinders can be
removed first. Cylinders should not be exposed to continuous dampness. They
should not be stored near salt water or corrosive chemicals or fumes. Corrosion
can weaken the cylinder. This can eventually lead to a sudden rupture or
explosion.
Store cylinders away from welding and cutting work;
they should not be exposed to falling objects, moving machinery, and vehicular
traffic. Storage areas should be located where cylinders will not likely get
knocked over. Cylinders should be secured by suitable means such as chains or
straps.
Store cylinders at least 20 feet from any combustible
materials, and where the cylinders will not be subjected to temperatures above
approximately 125° F (52°C). Flammable-gas cylinder storage areas should be
heated by indirect means, and meets the design requirements of National Fire
Protection Association NFPA Standard 51 or 58.
Smoking, open fames, and other
sources of ignition must be prohibited in areas where flammable gases are
stored.
Cylinders should be grouped by types of gas. Where
gases of different types are stored at the same location, oxygen cylinders
should be separated from flammable- gas cylinders a minimum distance of 20 feet
or by a non-combustible barrier at least 5 feet high having a fire-resistance
rating of at least 111 hour. (Refer to NFPA Standard 51.)
Cylinders used in public areas or at construction
sites should be located where they cannot be tampered with by unauthorized
persons. Store cylinders in accordance with state and local regulations and in
accordance with appropriate standards of the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
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