Compressed Cylinder Compressed Cylinder SafetySafety

NCMAQBNCMAQB

Subject to damagefrom other activities

inthe vicinity

Cylinder laying in a horizontalposition.

Electrical cord inContact with thecylinder

Cylinders are not protected from falling. Notethat the Chain is not secured across.

Chain

1. Cylinder not secured

2. Cylinder should be stored3. Subject to damage. 4. Electrical cord draped over.

ElectricalCord

1. Small cylinder not tied off

2. Combustibles stored with cylinders

3. Bad housekeeping

4. Acetylene and Oxygen storedtoo close together and no chain.

1. Cylinder with no valve or cap installed2. Laying horizontal on the ground

3. Subject to damage

Cylinder is damaged. Should be taken out of service immediately!

Electrical arcdamage

Cylinder should be in storage protected from damage and not laying on the ground regardless if it is full or empty

1. Cylinders laying on the ground and improperly stored2. Subject to damage from forklift operation in vicinity

Forklift

1. Feed line exposed to damage/leak that could cause a fire/explosion2. Tripping Hazard

1. Inadequate housekeeping

2. Valve caps should be installed.

AcetyleneCylinder

1. Unsecured acetylene cylinder 2. Exposed to damage

Unsecured cylinders

Regulator left pressurized after useRegulator left pressurized after use

Improper StorageImproper Storage

Tie Off?Tie Off?

Cylinders notSecured properly

Free standingcylinders

Exposed to damageFrom constructionActivities in area

What a pressurizedWhat a pressurizedContainer can doContainer can doWhen the right amountWhen the right amountof heat is applied. of heat is applied.

Or, the importance of using Or, the importance of using flashback flashback arrestors on oxy-acetylene carts arrestors on oxy-acetylene carts andandkeeping spark producing keeping spark producing activitiesactivitiesAway From YouAway From You (min 35 ft.) (min 35 ft.).

How not to blow yourself upHow not to blow yourself up

An Ironworker crew was modifying a temporary structural steel bridgeAn Ironworker crew was modifying a temporary structural steel bridgeusing an Oxygen/Acetylene torch setup on a cart, a portable welder, using an Oxygen/Acetylene torch setup on a cart, a portable welder, and a grinder. Apparently the Acetylene hose developed a leak and and a grinder. Apparently the Acetylene hose developed a leak and ignited during the grinding operationignited during the grinding operation ( (Monday June 18, 2001Monday June 18, 2001))

The torch setup was not equipped with a “flashback” arrestorThe torch setup was not equipped with a “flashback” arrestorcheck valve and the fire traveled through the hose into thecheck valve and the fire traveled through the hose into thecompressed cylinder.compressed cylinder.

All Oxygen/Acetylene setups musthave a “Flashback” arrestor checkvalve at the regulators, NOT thetorch head, to prevent this type of occurrence. This little device wouldhave prevented this fire.

30 CFR § 56.460030 CFR § 56.4600 Extinguishing equipment.

• WELDING/CUTTING/COMPRESSED GASES

(a) When welding, cutting, soldering, thawing, or bending

• (1) With an electric arc or with an open flame where an electrically conductive extinguishing agent could create an electrical hazard, a multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguisher or other extinguisher with at least a 2-A:10-B:C rating shall be at the worksite.

• (2) With an open flame in an area where no electrical hazard exists, a multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguisher or equivalent fire extinguishing equipment for the class of fire hazard present shall be at the worksite.

30 CFR § 56.460130 CFR § 56.4601

• Oxygen cylinder storage.

• Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored in rooms or areas used or designated for storage of flammable or combustible liquids, including grease.

30 CFR § 56.460230 CFR § 56.4602

• Gauges and regulators.

• Gauges and regulators used with oxygen or acetylene cylinders shall be kept clean and free of oil and grease.

30 CFR § 56.460330 CFR § 56.4603• Closure of valves.

• To prevent accidental release of gases from hoses and torches attached to oxygen and acetylene cylinders or to manifold systems, cylinder or manifold system valves shall be closed when(a) The cylinders are moved;(b) The torch and hoses are left unattended; or(c) The task or series of tasks is completed.

30 CFR § 56.1500730 CFR § 56.15007• Protective equipment or clothing for

welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

• Protective clothing or equipment and face shields, or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

30 CFR § 56.1600530 CFR § 56.16005

• Securing gas cylinders.

• Compressed and liquid gas cylinders shall be secured in a safe manner.

30 CFR § 56.1600630 CFR § 56.16006

• Protection of gas cylinder valves.

• Valves on compressed gas cylinders shall be protected by covers when being transported or stored, and by a safe location when the cylinders are in use.