Safety Tip of the Week – Compressed Gas Safety

Compressed Gas Safety

Compressed gas cylinders contain a great deal of energy. If the cylinders are mishandled or treated roughly, that energy can burst into an explosion – especially if the shut-off valve isn’t covered. If the cylinder ruptures or the valve breaks off, that pressure is released suddenly and destructively.

One more hazard of a compressed gas cylinder is that it may contain a highly flammable substance such as acetylene or it may contain oxygen that can cause a fire to accelerate out of control.

Many gases we work with present special dangers:

• Toxic gases like Carbon Monoxide and Phosgene can be poisonous.

• Many gases are flammable and can be ignited by sparks or other ignition sources.

• Oxidizers, like Fluorine and Oxygen, can also cause fires and explosions.

• Corrosives, such as Chlorine, can burn the skin and cause other damage.

• Some gases, such as Nitrogen and Helium, can push breathable air completely out of a room.

Things Not To Do:

• Never roll a cylinder to move it.

• Never carry a cylinder by the valve.

• Never leave an open cylinder unattended.

• Never leave a cylinder unsecured.

• Never force improper attachments on to the wrong cylinder.

• Never grease or oil the regulator, valve, or fittings of an oxygen cylinder.

• Never refill a cylinder.

• Never use a flame to locate gas leaks.

• Never attempt to mix gases in a cylinder.

• Never discard pressurized cylinders in the normal trash.

  Make safety a reality…don’t be a fatality!!