
272 COMPRESSED GASES
Table 9.3 General precautions for handling compressed gases
Consult the supplier for data on the specification, properties, handling advice and on suitable service materials for individual
gases.
Storage
Segregate according to hazard.
Stores should be adequately ventilated and, ideally, located outside and protected from the weather.
Store away from sources of heat and ignition.
Cylinders within workplaces should be restricted to those gases in use. Specially designed compartments with partitions may
be required to protect people in the event of explosion. Take into account emergency exits, steam or hot water systems,
the proximity of other processes etc. Consider the possibility of dense gases accumulating in drains, basements, cable
ducts, lift shafts etc.
Where necessary, provide fireproof partitions/barriers to separate/protect cylinders.
Protect from mechanical damage.
All cylinders must be properly labelled and colour coded (BS 349).
Store full and empty cylinders separately.
Use in rotation: first in, first out.
Restrict access to the stores to authorized staff.
Display ‘No smoking’ and other relevant warning signs.
Ensure that all staff are fully conversant with the correct procedures when using pressure regulators. (For cylinders without
handwheel valves, the correct cylinder valve keys should be kept readily available, e.g. on the valve. Only use such keys.
Do not extend handles or keys to permit greater leverage; do not use excessive force, e.g. hammering, when opening/
closing valves or connecting/disconnecting fittings. The pressure regulator must be fully closed before opening the
cylinder valve. This valve can then be opened slowly until the regulator gauge indicates the cylinder pressure but should
not be opened wider than necessary. The pressure regulator can then be opened to give the required delivery pressure.
When a cylinder is not in use, or is being moved, the cylinder valve must be shut. When a cylinder has been connected,
the valve should be opened with the regulator closed; joints should then be tested with soap/detergent solution.)
Clearly and permanently mark pressure gauges for use on oxygen. Do not contaminate them with oil or grease or use them
for other duties.
Cylinders that cannot be properly identified should not be used; do not rely on colour code alone.
Never try to refill cylinders.
Never use compressed gas to blow away dust or dirt.
Provide permanent brazed or welded pipelines from the cylinders to near the points of gas use. Select pipe materials suitable
for the gas and its application. Any flexible piping used should be protected against physical damage. Never use rubber
or plastic connections from cylinders containing toxic gases.
On acetylene service, use only approved fittings and regulators. Avoid any possibility of it coming into contact with copper,
copper-rich alloys or silver-rich alloys. (In the UK use at a pressure greater than 600 mbar g must be notified to HM
Explosives Inspectorate for advice on appropriate standards.)
On carbon dioxide service, rapid withdrawal of gas may result in plugging by solid CO
2
. Close the valve, if possible, to allow
the metal to warm up; this will prevent a sudden gas discharge.
Replace the correct caps or guards on cylinder valves when not in use and for return to the supplier.
Test and inspect cylinders and pressure regulators regularly in accordance with current legislation.
Design and manage cylinder stores in accordance with suppliers’ recommendations.
Wear appropriate personal protection when entering any store.
Inspect condition of cylinders regularly, especially those containing hazardous gases (e.g. corrosive).
Use
Transport gases in specially designed trolleys and use eye protection, stout gloves (preferably textile or leather) and protective
footwear.
Do not roll or drop cylinders off the backs of wagons; never lift cylinders by the cap.
Ideally, depending on the length of pipe run, locate cylinders outside (for hazardous gases, valves installed within the
workplace can be used for remote control of the main supply from the cylinder in the event of an emergency). Site
cylinders so that they cannot become part of an electrical circuit.
Securely clamp, or otherwise firmly hold in position, cylinders on installation. (Unless otherwise specified, cylinders containing
liquefied or dissolved gases must be used upright.)
Avoid subjecting cylinders containing liquid to excessive heat.
Table 9.3 provides general guidance for handling compressed gases.