Compressed Gases

Stories of Compressed Gases

Employee killed when cylinder turned into a rocket because its valve was knocked off

Employee suffocated after entering a space filled with nitrogen

Facility damaged when acetylene cylinder heated up and exploded

Eyebrows singed when lighting a gas BBQ

Training Goals

Compressed Gases and Cylinders in General Specific Compressed Gases Quiz

Basics of Compressed Gases

Chemicals include oxygen, argon, nitrogen, helium, acetylene, hydrogen, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, chlorine, etc.

Compressed gases used in bulk systems or portable cylinders

Industry uses include welding, cutting, operating tools, transferring liquids, blowing agents, laboratories, etc.

Hazards of Compressed Gases

Explosion Flammability Corrosive Toxicity Reactivity Air displacing Check MSDS for

specific hazards

Markings or Labels

Name of the compressed gas Hazards of the compressed gas National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA) labels Department of Transportation (DOT) labels Do not remove any labels

Bulk Systems

Built and maintained by qualified personnel Filled by trained and qualified personnel Tank and piping properly labeled Tank system protected from damage

Cylinder Transportation

Receiving/shipping cylinders requires DOT Hazardous Materials training

Use lift trucks or hoists only with proper lifting equipment

Never use a sling or electromagnet to hoist a cylinder

Never lift a cylinder by the valve cap

Manual Cylinder Handling

Close the valve and put on the cap

Do not “walk” cylinder by holding onto valve stem or cap

Never roll a cylinder on its side

Use a hand truck with a secure system

Cylinder Storage Area

Dry, well ventilated, protected from weather Away from combustibles, heat sources,

electrical systems No sparks, smoking, open flames Oxygen separated from fuels Upright, secured, valve cap on Not in elevators, staircases, hallways, etc. Sign requirements

Cylinder Use

Upright and secure Away from flames, sparks, electricity Keep oil, grease, flammables off cylinders Open valve by hand, if tools required don’t

use the cylinder Open valve slowly with hand to the side Don’t tamper with safety devices

Regulators and Gauges

Regulator and gauge rated for the pressure in the gas system

Regulator must be compatible with the gas Do not exchange gauge from one gas to

another Thread sealant recommended by

manufacturer for application Wear eye protection when operating regulator

Leaking Cylinders

Never try to repair Tag it, move it

outdoors, and keep it away from heat or flame

Call manufacturer or dealer

General Cylinder Safety

Only accept and use DOT approved cylinders Do not drop cylinders Protect cylinders from cuts and abrasions Don’t use cylinders for unintended function

such as a roller or support Don’t tamper with safety valves Caps on whenever not in use

Goals of Compressed Gases

Compressed Gases and Cylinders in General Specific Compressed Gases Quiz

LPG (Propane)

Liquid petroleum gases (LPG) include propane, propylene, butane, butylene

Liquid under pressure, released as a gas LPG containers must meet specific

design criteria Cylinders have pressure relief valves Regulated by local fire department

LPG Hazards

Flammable and reactive Gases are colorless and odorless Heavier than air, may build up

and explode unexpectedly Adequate ventilation required

LPG Containers

Marked as an approved container Capacity and design pressure Shut-off valve, pressure relief valve,

level gauge Never use container not approved for LPG,

corroded or damaged, missing accessory

LPG Handling

No smoking, use sparkless tools

Fill or dispense outside or in well-ventilated area—wear PPE such as glove and goggles

Secure to forklift or other vehicle

Report damaged cylinders Leak detection

Compressed Air

Flying fragments penetrate eyes or skin Compressed air can penetrate skin, damage

eyes or ears Use lowest pressure for the job Wear eye and skin protection Store air hose properly and inspect regularly

Oxygen

Does not burn or explode by itself

Supports combustion process

Explosive with acetylene, hydrogen

Never handle with oily hands or gloves

Acetylene

Flammable Cylinder packed with porous material and

solvent that holds the acetylene Once the valve is opened, the acetylene flows

out in gaseous form Pressure relief valve using fusible metal that

melts at about 212 °F

Miscellaneous Gases

Gases such as argon and nitrogen are used to displace air

Helium could cause rapid suffocation Gases like ammonia and chlorine will

cause large evacuations even for small leaks

Goals of Compressed Gases

Compressed Gases and Cylinders in General Specific Compressed Gases Quiz

Summary

Cylinders must always be stored and secured properly

Use caution when transporting cylinders Understand the hazards of a compressed

gas before using it Even compressed air can be dangerous

Quiz

1. The best way to lift a cylinder is by attaching a sling to its cap.

True or False 2. What type of gas cylinder must be stored away

from fuels? ______________________________3. What’s wrong with storing a cylinder in a staircase

or hallway? ______________________________4. Oxygen is dangerous because it will

explode or burn by itself.

True or False5. Describe the safest way to manually transport a

cylinder: _________________________________

Quiz (cont.)

6. Propane is naturally colorless and odorless.

True or False

7. Compressed air can be dangerous because _____________________________________________.

8. Name two things that cylinder labels should contain: ____________________ and _____________________.

9. Breathing helium could cause suffocation.

True or False

10. The cylinder cap needs to be on only when it is being transported.

True or False

Quiz Answers

1. False. Never lift a cylinder by its cap and never use a sling to lift a cylinder.

2. Oxygen cylinders must be stored 20 feet away from fuels or separated by 1/2 hour fire wall.

3. The cylinder is subject to more traffic, so the risk of being knocked over is greater.

4. False. Oxygen only supports combustion. Even a minute amount of oil can cause a reaction.

5. Use a handcart with a cylinder securing device such as a chain.

Quiz Answers (cont.)

6. True. The odor is added to propane so that leaks can be more easily detected.

7. Compressed air can penetrate the skin, damage eyes or ears, or create flying objects.

8. Cylinders should be labeled with the name of the gas and the hazards of the gas.

9. True. Helium may block the flow of oxygen and cause suffocation.

10. False. Keep the cap on whenever the cylinder is not being used.