Compressed Gas Cylinders

Following are some of the recommended procedures for safe handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders:

• Never drop cylinders or permit them to strike each other.
• Avoid dragging or sliding cylinders - even for short distances. Use a cylinder truck.
• Do not use cylinders as "rollers" for moving material or other equipment.
• Cylinders should be kept in designated storage areas when not in use with protective cap screwed in place.
• No part of a cylinder should be subjected to a temperature more than 125°F.
• Cylinders should not be permitted to come in contact with sparks or flames, electrical apparatus or circuits.
• Never tamper with safety devices on cylinder regulating valves.
• Use a regulator when connecting cylinders to systems of lower pressure ratings.
• Use properly fitting wrenches to connect regulators to gas cylinders. Connections specified to be hand-tight should be made hand-tight only.
• Close the valve on empty cylinders to leave some positive pressure in the cylinder. Replace the protective cap and mark and label the cylinder "empty".
• Do not store full and empty cylinders in the same area.
• Make sure that cylinders are stored upright and secured with strap or chain.