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.