Not every one needs to know that fluorine will violently ignite
many substances, that silane burns on contact with air, or that
ammonia will decompose thermally into twice its volume. But if
you work with specialty
gases, this information is essential. Safety must always
be a primary goal when working with specialty gases -safety and
knowledge go hand-in-hand.
To improve your chances of preventing hazardous accidents,
follow these Top 10 Tips for safely handling and using gas
cylinders:
1. Appropriate firefighting, personnel safety and first aid
equipment should always be available in case of emergencies.
Ensure adequate personnel are trained in the use of this
equipment.
2. Obtain a copy of the MSDS for the gases being used. Read the
MSDS thoroughly and become familiar with the gas properties and
hazards prior to use.
3. Follow all federal, state and local regulations concerning
the storage of compressed gas cylinders. Store gas cylinders in
a ventilated and well lit area away from combustible materials.
Separate gases by type and store in assigned locations that can
be readily identified. Store cylinders containing flammable
gases separately from oxygen cylinders and other oxidants by a
fire-resistant barrier (having a fire-resistance rating of at
least 30 minutes) or locate them at least 20 feet apart from
each other. Store poison, cryogenic and inert gases separately.
If a cylinder's contents are not clearly identified by the
proper cylinder markings labels, do NOT accept for use.
4. Storage areas should be located away from sources of excess
heat, open flame or ignition, and not located in closed or
sub-surface areas. The area should be dry, cool and well
ventilated. Outdoor storage should be above grade, dry and
protected from the extremes of weather. While in storage,
cylinder valve protection caps MUST be firmly in place.
5. Arrange the cylinder storage area so that old stock is used
first. Empty cylinders should be stored separately and
identified with clear markings. Return empty cylinders promptly.
Some pressure should be left in a depleted cylinder to prevent
air suck-back that would allow moisture and contaminants to
enter the cylinder
6. Do not apply any heating device that will heat any part of a
cylinder above 125°F (52°C). Overheating can cause the cylinder
to rupture. Neither steel nor aluminum cylinder temperatures
should be permitted to exceed 125°F (52°C).
7. Safety glasses, gloves and safety shoes should be worn at all
times when handling cylinders. Always move cylinders by hand
trucks or carts that are designed for this purpose. During
transportation, keep both hands on the cylinder cart and secure
cylinders properly to prevent them from falling, dropping or
striking each other. Never use a cylinder cart without a chain
or transport a gas cylinder without its valve protection cap
firmly in place.
8. To begin service from a cylinder, first secure the cylinder
and then remove the valve protection cap. Inspect the cylinder
valve for damaged threads, dirt, oil or grease. Remove any dust
or dirt with a clean cloth. If oil or grease is present on the
valve of a cylinder which contains oxygen or another oxidant, do
NOT attempt to use it. Such combustible substances in contact
with an oxidant are explosive. Always disconnect equipment from
the cylinder when not in use and return the cylinder valve
protection cap to the cylinder.
9. Be sure all fittings and connection threads meet properly -
never force. Dedicate your regulator to a single valve
connection even if it is designed for different gases. NEVER
cross thread or use adapters between non-mating equipment and
cylinders. Use washers only if indicated. Never use pipe dope on
pipe threads, turn the threads the wrong way, or use TeflonŽ
tape on the valve threads to prevent leaking
10. When a cylinder is in use, it must be secured with some form
of fastener. Floor or wall brackets are ideal for stationary
use. Portable bench brackets are recommended for when a cylinder
must be moved around. Smaller stands function well for lecture
bottle use.
For more information on Gas Handling and Safety, and to download
a comprehensive free Design & Safety Handbook, visit http://www.scottgas.com.
Scott Specialty Gases (http://www.scottgas.com) is an
international producer and supplier of specialty gas products
and equipment for all types of scientific, industrial and
medical applications.
This article is provided by Scott Specialty Gases. Scott
Specialty Gases, a leading global manufacturer of specialty
gases located in Plumsteadville, PA. More information on the
company can be found at http://www.scottgas.com.
This article is copyrighted by Scott Gases. It may not be
reproduced in whole or in part and may not be posted on other
websites, without the express written permission of the author
who may be contacted via email at
scottgas@digitalbrandexpressions.com.
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