Compressed gases are used in a lot of different workplaces: labs, construction sites, restaurants, maintenance shops, and hospitals to name a few.  They may be in the form of commonplace items like barbeque cylinders and fire extinguishers, or more specialized gases in cylinders or tanks.  Many people working with, or near, compressed gases don’t understand the trouble they can get into if safe work practices aren’t observed.  Here are ten ways that you can work safely with compressed gases.

1.     Learn about the products you’re going to work with.  Pressurized gas containers can be hazardous when pressure is released; containers can become projectiles or pinwheels.  Furthermore, gases can be flammable, explosive, poisonous, corrosive, reactive, oxidizers, or can displace oxygen.  Before working with a compressed gas, review the material safety data sheet to learn about the product’s hazards and how it can be used safely.

2.     Consult the regulations.  Rules for the safe storage, handling and use of compressed gases can be found in occupational health & safety regulations, fire codes and building codes. Other regulations may also apply. Take time to become aware of your legal obligations, then develop work practices designed to comply with applicable regulations.

3.              Inspect cylinders when receiving deliveries from your supplier.

• Check the label, not the cylinder colour, to ensure you’re receiving the proper gas.  Different suppliers use different cylinder colours.
• Inspect the condition of each cylinder.  Do not accept cylinders with missing or illegible labels, sharp dents, gouges, bulges, fire damage, excessive corrosion or other physical damage.

4.     Store cylinders properly until they’re put into use.  Cylinders should be stored upright, to allow relief valves to work properly.  Segregate cylinders according to hazard, and separate full cylinders from empty ones.  The Building Code and Fire Code will specify a number of requirements for compressed gas storage.

5.     Use safe procedures to move cylinders about the workplace.  It’s unsafe to drag, slide or roll cylinders.  Use a hand cart or dolly, preferably one that’s been designed for handling cylinders.  Make sure that the cylinders are secured to the cart.  If it’s necessary to raise a cylinder above floor level, use a cylinder cage or cradle; do not lift by the cap, collar or valve assembly.  Wear protective eyewear, gloves and footwear, and other personal protective equipment according to gas hazards.

6.     Verify that you have the correct gas before you start working with it.  Check the label.  Remember, don’t rely on the colour of the cylinder; different suppliers use different colours of cylinders for the same gas.

7.     Know your equipment and procedures.  Before working with a compressed gas, you should be familiar with all safe work procedures.  Use only regulators approved for the specific gas in use.  Do not try to repair or modify compressed gas equipment.

8.        Test for leaks.  Before using the gas, all connections, lines and equipment should be leak-tested.  Use an inert gas or compatible leak test solution.  Verify, before testing, that your choice of leak testing product is safe to use.  Never use a flame or other ignition source to test for leaks.

9.     Be prepared for emergencies.  Identify potential emergencies prior to use of a gas, and get everything needed to respond if things go wrong: trained responders, procedures, and emergency supplies.

10.  Train or be trained.  If you’re going to work with compressed gases, ensure you have adequate training beforehand.  Or, if you’re responsible for others who work with compressed gases, ensure that they’re trained.  Instruction should include:

• product hazards
• safe handling, storage, and disposal procedures
• the selection, use and care of personal protective equipment
• the use of engineering controls (such as ventilation equipment or product isolation)
• how to select, connect, use and test regulators and other compressed gas equipment
• how to prepare for emergencies and how to respond.

Useful References:

1.     OSH Answers: “How Do I Work Safely with Compressed Gases?”, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, www.ccohs.ca

2.     OSH Answers: “Compressed Gases - Hazards”, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, www.ccohs.ca

3.     Safetygram #10: “Handling, Storage and Use of Compressed Gas Cylinders”, Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

4.     Safetygram #11: “Emergency Action in Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders”, Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

5.     Safetygram #12: “Regulator Selection, Installation and Operation”, Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

This article is provided as introductory information only.  Cited references, and other literature, should be consulted for complete details.    Copyright 2007 Escalade Services Group Inc.