Safe Handling of Compressed Gas Cylinders
Learn safe handling and storage procedures for compressed gas cylinders to avoid damage and accidents.
Safe Handling of Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders can be hazardous. Using such equipment without knowledge of the hazards is dangerous. The following are some recommended procedures for the safe handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders:
• Never drop cylinders or allow them to strike each other.
• Avoid dragging or sliding cylinders - even for short distances.
• Do not use cylinders as “rollers” for moving material or other equipment.
• Keep cylinders in designated storage areas when not in use.
• Do not subject any part of a cylinder to a temperature above 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do not allow cylinders to come into contact with sparks, flames, or electricity.
• Never tamper with safety devices in valves or on cylinders.
• Use a regulator when connecting to systems of lower pressure ratings.
• Connect regulators to gas cylinder with properly fitting wrenches; connections specified to be hand-tight should be made hand-tight only.
• When returning empty cylinders, close the valve to leave some positive pressure in the cylinder; replace the protective cap and label the cylinder “EMPTY” or “MT.”
• Do not store full and empty cylinders in the same area.
REMINDER – FOLLOWING PROPER PROCEDURES WILL HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS.