1. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Blue Ridge Safety Association Safety Presentations Compressed Gasses

2. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications What is a Compressed Gas? Definition: –Any materials or mixtures in containers having an absolute pressure in excess of 40 psi at 70F or in excess of 104 psi at 130F Examples: –Argon, carbon dioxide, acetylene, helium, hydrogen chloride, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen

3. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Chemical Hazards Corrosive Toxic Flammable Reactive Cryogenic Asphyxiant

4. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Compressed Gases Present Unique Hazards High Pressure: potential explosive or missile Diffusion of leaking gases can result in: –Toxic atmosphere –Asphyxiation –Explosive concentration of flammable gas Lower ignition points: fire/explosion Lower boiling points: can cause frostbite

5. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Identification & Labeling Contents of cylinders must be labeled –Never work with unidentified cylinders Always read the label –Don’t rely on color codes Never destroy, deface, or remove labels Inspect for damage

6. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Before Working with Gas Review MSDS sheets –Specific hazards –Special precautions in handling and use –First-aid requirements for emergency situations –Emergency response information Follow personal protective equipment requirements –Goggles, face shields, gloves

7. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Moving Cylinders Safely Use cylinder carts or hand trucks Secure cylinders with chain or strap Ensure protective valves are in place Handle as if full

8. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications How Not to Move Cylinders Lift using protective valve caps Roll or drag Drop cylinders or allow cylinders to strike each other Carry multiple cylinders by hand Transport with regulator installed Use forklift or other device without approved attachment

9. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Connecting Valves & Regulators Check threads on valves, regulators, fittings –Look for signs of damage –Clear cylinder valves of dust or dirt Make sure regulators match valves –Use only regulators & fittings designated by the manufacturer for that gas cylinder –Never force fittings –Never modify fittings - no substitute solutions

10. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Safely Opening the Cylinder Release adjusting screw Position valve away from face/eyes Open valve slowly If valve won’t open –It may be damaged –Do not use pliers, wrench, or other “cheaters” to force it open.

11. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications How to Check for Leaks Whenever cylinder is reconnected: Ensure lines & fittings are tight & hoses in good condition Cover cylinder with soapy water –Check for bubbles escaping If leak is discovered, inform supervisor –If safe to handle, move to outside location

12. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications While Using Cylinder Keep cylinder in upright position Away from heat or ignition sources Away from major traffic flow Valve accessible at all times –Keep valve spindle key in stem (if applicable) Cylinder valve closed when not in use

13. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications What to Avoid During Use Never leave an open cylinder unattended Never direct a stream of gas toward a co-worker Never use compressed gas to blow dust Never attempt to repair a cylinder valve Never put oil or grease around fittings

14. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Special Precautions Corrosives: Know nearest eyewash location Acetylene: Never use copper tubing Oxygen: No contact with oil or grease Toxics or Flammables –Use required flow restrictors –Use toxic only in well-ventilated areas

15. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Emergency Response Poison Gas –Evacuate area –Close door Flammable –Turn off sources of ignition Inert Gas –Place in well-ventilated area –Notify supervisor

16. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications When Finished With Cylinder Close main cylinder valve Bring regulator pressure gauges to zero Remove regulators Replace protective cap Return to storage area

17. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Empty Cylinders Cylinder is empty at 25 psi Replace valve caps even if empty Mark cylinders “empty” or “MT” Never refill a cylinder Separate empty and full cylinders during storage Never discard a cylinder in normal trash

18. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Cylinder Storage: Storage Area Storage areas are: –Designed only for cylinders with appropriate hazard signs posted –Well-ventilated, level, and dry –Kept at temperatures -21F Keep cylinders away from: –Sources of heat or readily ignitable substances –Corrosive chemicals & fumes –Electrical wiring

19. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Cylinder Storage (continued) Store in compatible groups Store in upright position w/ protective valve caps on Secure to fixed support using straps or chains Never store near high traffic areas

20. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Summary Use proper PPE and know the dangers Move using cart and secure with straps Keep valve caps on when not in use Equipment must be compatible and system leak-free Never fully empty cylinders Store in designated locations

21. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Thank you for supporting BRSA We appreciate your comments about the effectiveness of this training method and the delivery system E-mail your comments to comments@blueridgesafety.org