1. Safety alert: Gas Cylinder Straps Update 5/29/15: We are still finding Airgas straps that tear easily. EHS Reps or designee--Please inspect all of the cylinder straps in your lab. Refer to following slides for tips. Save the defective straps in case we need to give these to Airgas. Notify your Coordinator and Katie Blass to obtain a replacement. Do NOT contact Airgas. 0

2. Strap in a MIT lab tore like paper during cylinder change 1

3. Replace strap if you find 2 Cut/Tear--Any size Fraying Excessive wear, webbing is thinning

4. Strap with a small tear Check straps when you change cylinders Bend the strap, look at the edges, and run your hand along the entire strap 3

5. How to determine if a strap is safe 4 Pull the strap if the tension spring slips, replace the strap if the strap stays taut, strap is OK.

6. Inspect the tension spring for corrosion and loss of tension Rusty handle/ spring is OK Torn cotton blend belt no spring 5

7. Comparison of Cylinder Strap Specifications Vendor Name and model # Webbing Material and dimensions Treated with UV inhibitor Fire retardant Buckle material and corrosion resistance Strap strength tested at ## psi Date tag AirgasPolyesterYes--UV Yes--Fire galvanized steel tension buckle with stainless steel spring 1500yes USA safety GB100AFS 1.5" polypropyleneYes--UV No--Fire Nickel plated steel spring buckle 1,138no Matheson 711 Strap 711-R Ratchet Strap 1.5" polypropylene?--UV ?--Fire steel buckle1,138? ThermoFisher 02-216-369 TROEMNER No.:971048 1” nylon ?--UV ?--Fire 1500 6 VWR sells the USA, Matheson and ThermoFisher straps. Updated 11/18/14

8. Strap 2 cylinders together Wall or bench Brackets are strong enough to hold two cylinders 7