Hazmat Training for Cylinder Safety

Main Topics

• Federal Regulations

• General awareness/familiarization with cylinders and valves

• Proper handling/Preventive procedures

• Safety issues and training

• Reporting observed concerns

Objectives• Describe the category of persons who must receive function specific

Hazmat training.• Describe your status with regard to Hazmat Training.• Name identify the agencies that regulate the transport and handling

of high-pressure cylinders.• Compare and contrast aluminum versus steel cylinders, including

typical fill pressures, capacities and buoyancy characteristics.• State the frequency, importance and required pressure for a

hydrostatic pressure test.• Explain the frequency and importance of the visual inspection.• Discuss types of valves commonly used in scuba.• Discuss safe handling concerns and procedures for scuba cylinders,

including the minimum storage pressure.• Identify common cylinder codes.• Pass the written exam with a score of 75% or higher.

Federal Regulations• Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 172.00

• Enforced by Department of Transportation

• Mandates– That all persons who “handle, transport or are likely

to be affected” by the hazards of high pressure cylinders

– Must receive “function specific” training to the HAZMAT within 90 days of employment and retraining every 3 years thereafter.

Federal Regulations

• The US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the transport and handling of high-pressure cylinders.– Steel 900 psig

– Aluminum 1800 psig

Federal Regulations

• Title 29 CFR 1910.101(a) – Requires the employer to take ultimate responsibility

for the safe condition of compressed gas cylinders under his control

• The U.S. government regulates matters affecting the safety and health of employees (only) in all industries, including compressed gas, through the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

Your Status

• If you are not an employee– CFR Title 49 172.00 does not apply– This training is informational only

• This training does not satisfy CFR Title 49 172.00

• Much of this information is taken from materials developed by PSI Inc.– You are not certified by PSI Inc.

Scuba Cylinders

• Materials– Aluminum (3AL or other)– Steel (3AA)

• Capacity– 9 cu. ft. –120 cu. ft.– 50 Liters – 3482 Liters

• Common Pressures– Aluminum (3AL)

• 3000 psi-3500 psi (207 bar -165 bar)– Steel (3AA)

• 2250 psi – 2400 psi (155 bar – 165 bar)• Steel cylinders with “+” sign may be overfilled by 10%

Steel vs. Aluminum

• Heavier (Wear less weight)

• Neutral when empty• Round bottom• More Expensive• Corrodes quicker

• Lighter (Wear more weight)

• Positive when empty• Flat bottom• Cheaper• Resists corrosion• Susceptible to

damage from heat

Cylinder Codes

• Regulating agency – DOT (Department of Transportation)

• (ICC – old name for DOT)

– CTC (Canadian Transportation Commission)

• Metal Alloy –– molybdenum steel - 3A, 3AA– aluminum alloy - 3AL (present day)– SP6498 (to 1972)– E6498 (to 1982)– E9791

Cylinder Codes

• Serial number– unique to each tank

• Working pressure/capacity– 2250 psi, 2400 psi, 3000 psi,3500 psi

• Mfr. Stamp

• Inspector stamp; – hydro date(s) - month, year

Cylinder Valve Assemblies and Manifolds• K valve and J valve

– Burst disk, valve dip tube, o-ring, handle assembly

• DIN valve - • Slingshot or “Y” valve• H manifolds• These are types of pillar/post valves

J-valve

K-valve

DIN-valve

Cylinder Valve Use & Care

• Never use excessive force to open or close• Open slowly• Open valve fully, then close valve one-

quarter turn, but no more. – This provides a clue to help determine if the

tank is open and also the correct way to turn valve when closing.

• Always carry tank valve opening facing away from palm***

• Ideally pillar/post valves should not be carried by the valve

Cylinder Care and Maintenance

• Handle with care. • Best to transport vertical.

– When transporting horizontal block in place and orient sideways.

• Always carry valve out• Fill slowly (300 – 500 psi/min)• Keeping water out.

– Blow off valves before filling.

• Rinse after use• Storage

– Pressurized (min. of 100 psi) – Vertical is best

• Must be secured

Cylinder Care and Maintenance

Visual inspection • Required annually or if the cylinder is drained• Inspect interior and exterior for

– Corrosion• Interior cleaned by tumbling process

– Pitting– Cracks

• An Evidence of Inspection Sticker (E.O.I.) applied to a cylinder within the last year is not, by itself, sufficient evidence to authorize filling.

Cylinder Care and Maintenance

Hydrostatic Test • Required every 5 years

– Or if damage suspected– Or if exposed to high heat

• Hydrostatic Pressure– 5/3 of working pressure

• Purpose– Measure permanent expansion of cylinder– Test of structural integrity of the cylinder

Damaged or Emptied Cylinders

• REPORT ANY DAMAGE OR CYLINDER THAT HAS BEEN EMPTIED TO D.S.O.

Cylinder Care and Maintenance SAFETY CONCERNS

• Always carry valve opening away from skin. – Air embolism can occur through contact with skin.

• Dropped cylinders may injure feet or toes or shear off valve.

• Escaping air may be loud and can cause particles to become airborne. – Use eye and ear protection.

• Never place a pressurized cylinder in an environment > 130º F (car trunk on a hot day).

• Any cylinder exposed to fire should be removed from service

• Cylinders are heavy - use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury.

The kinetic energy stored within a full 80 ft3 tank exceeds one million foot pounds, sufficient energy to disintegrate concrete block walls, propel fill station operators trough walls, destroy fire trucks, and jet cylinders great distances.

AT LEAST ONE CYLINDER EXPLODES ANNUALLY!!

Disguised damage

• Boots often hide corrosion including self draining boots

• Stickers or paint may placed over damage• Auto repair putty used to cover defects• Vinyl coated cylinders should not be used or

filled under any circumstances• REPORT ANY SUSPECT CYLINDERS

IMMEDIATELY TO DIVE SAFETY OFFICER

General Cylinder Handling

• Never move any cylinder by rolling it along the ground

• Never leave any unattended tank standing up

• Cylinders may only be filled if they are within the current hydrostatic and visual inspection period– Fill Station Operator (FSO) must be satisfied as

to the condition of the cylinder

General Cylinder Handling

• Any unfamiliar stamp should be checked to see if it is a cylinder that should be rejected (e.g. SP 6576 identifies a bevel bottom aluminum tank that should be rejected.)

• Condemned cylinders with obliterated codes may never be returned to service

Main Topics

• Federal Regulations

• General awareness/familiarization with cylinders and valves

• Proper handling/Preventive procedures

• Safety issues and training

• Reporting observed concerns

Objectives

• Describe the category of persons who must receive function specific Hazmat training.

• Name identify the agency that regulates the transport and handling of high-pressure cylinders.

• Compare and contrast aluminum versus steel cylinders.

• Discuss types of valves commonly used in scuba.• Discuss safe handling concerns and procedures for

scuba cylinders.• Pass the written exam with a score of 75% or

higher.

Questions?????

• Please don’t write on test

• Fill out answer sheet only

• Make sure to fill out the “Hazmat Training Record”