1. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) GAS CYLINDERS FOR TULANE LABORATORY OR FACILITY EMPLOYEES WHO USE OR WORK AROUND GAS CYLINDERS May 2012

2. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) OBJECTIVES To review precautions to take when labeling, moving, using, and storing gas cylinders To review cryogenic gases, their hazards, and their proper use To review Tulane’s policies regarding purchasing and disposing of gas cylinders

3. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) IDENTIFYING GAS CYLINDERS KNOW THE CONTENTS OF YOUR CYLINDER. Color coding of cylinders is not standardized. Identify the contents with decals, stencils, tags, or other markings. Empty cylinders should be so marked, the valve closed, and the valve protection cap put in place.

4. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) TRANSFERRING GAS CYLINDERS TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN MOVING GAS CYLINDERS. Use a cylinder cart or handtruck for transferring gas cylinders. Transfer in an upright position, properly secured with a chain or strap and with the protective cap in place. Do not roll or drag cylinders. Avoid dropping cylinders or allowing them to strike against one another.

5. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) USING GAS CYLINDERS USE GAS CYLINDERS PROPERLY. Do not allow oil, grease, or flammable material to come into contact with cylinders, regulators, or other fittings. Do not use oxygen fittings, valves, or regulators on other types of gases. Use the proper valve connections. Inspect the cylinder for damaged threads, dirt, oil, or grease. Do not use cylinders or regulators which do not operate properly.

6. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) USING GAS CYLINDERS USE GAS CYLINDERS PROPERLY. Gas cylinders must be tightly secured with a chain, strap, or cylinder stand. Gas cylinders must have the protective cap in place unless the cylinder is in use and attached to a regulator.

7. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) USING CRYOGENICS The extreme cold of cryogenic liquids requires special care in their use. The primary hazards are fire or explosion, pressure buildup (either slowly or due to rapid conversion of the liquid to the gaseous state), embrittlement of structural materials, frostbite, and asphyxiation. Take appropriate precautions.

8. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) USING CRYOGENICS Be sure to wear a face shield and appropriate gloves when handling cryogenic liquids such as liquid nitrogen. Use with adequate ventilation. Use containers designated for the pressures and temperatures to which they may be subjected; don’t overfill. Pressure-relief valves and rupture devices may be needed.

9. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) STORING GAS CYLINDERS TIPS FOR SAFE STORAGE A “NO SMOKING” sign should be placed on doors where oxygen or flammable gases are stored. Flammable gases should be stored separately from oxidizers and non- flammable gases. Do not store cylinders near heat sources or near combustible or highly flammable materials. Never mix gases or transfer from one cylinder to another.

10. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) PURCHASING/RETURNING GAS CYLINDERS Return empty cylinders promptly to avoid payment of monthly cylinder rental charges. In order to avoid costly disposal costs, purchase specialty gases in refillable cylinders that are returnable to the manufacturer. Avoid non-returnable lecture sized gas cylinders.

11. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) SUMMARY Gas cylinders must be labeled, tightly secured, and capped. Gas cylinders must be transported properly using a cylinder cart or handtruck. Use appropriate PPE and ventilation with cryogenics. Purchase gases in refillable cylinders to avoid costly disposal costs.

12. Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) SUMMARY For more information on Gas Cylinders, see the OEHS Policies and Procedures Manual which can be found on the OEHS website, http://tulane.edu/oehs/upload/PPMFullWebA.pdf. http://tulane.edu/oehs/upload/PPMFullWebA.pdf

13. Tulane University Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) Pam Fatland, pfatlan@tulane.edu Manager, Chemical Safety (504)988-2800 http://tulane.edu/oehs If unable to proceed to quiz, type the link below into your browser https://audubon.tulane.edu/ehs/enterssn.cfm?testnum=126pfatlan@tulane.edu http://tulane.edu/oehs https://audubon.tulane.edu/ehs/enterssn.cfm?testnum=126 Proceed to Quiz