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.