The Compressed gas cylinder toolbox talk
Compressed gas cylinders are for storing gas and are always under high pressure. When you don’t handle the gas cylinder very well, the gas inside the cylinder is likely to explode on its own or have a leak.
The compressed gas cylinder hazards.
Compressed gas cylinders can present lots of hazards. Those hazards include
- Explosion.
- Flying projectiles from valves.
- Regulators turn into bullets that can cause tears.
Compressed gas cylinder safety
1. Always make sure that you wear your PPE whenever you are handling a compressed gas cylinder. The PPE include safety goggle, Hand gloves, safety boots, and coverall.
2. Stand all compressed gas cylinders in an upright position.
3. Position the compressed gas cylinders away from heat sources and flames.
4. Always secure the compressed gas cylinders in an upright position.
5. Always use a gas cylinder cart when transporting the gas cylinder.
6. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions whenever you are handling gas cylinders
7. Create a regular inspection regime for compressed gas cylinders and check for any signs of damage or wear in the cylinder.
8. The disposal of compressed gas cylinders should be under approved local regulations.
9. Identify the content of any compressed gas cylinders by reading the label.
10. Do not use compressed gas cylinders if the label is unknown.
11. Do not entirely rely on the colour code of the compressed gas cylinders because this may not be reliable. Always enquire with the supplier to know the content of the cylinder.
12. The lines leading from a compressed gas supply should be identified and marked with a label indicating whether the gas is flammable, toxic or corrosive.
13. Post a signage to indicate the storage area of the compressed gas cylinder.
14. Ensure that you quip the cylinder with a good regulator.
15. Make sure that the valve handle is easily accessible when you place the compressed gas cylinder upright.
16. Do not use the wrong tool to open or close the valve. Ensure you are not using a plier to open the valve because this is the wrong tool for such an operation. Always make use of a recommended wrench.
17. Please place a fire extinguisher closer to the storage area of the compressed gas cylinder
18. Do not store the compressed gas cylinders in public or unprotected areas.
19. Segregate all compressed gas cylinders according to their content. For example, Segregate empty cylinders from filled ones.
20. Please keep all oxygen gas cylinders 20 ft away from flammable gas cylinders.
21. Do not study compressed gas cylinders under direct sunlight
22. Do not store acetylene gas cylinders with oxygen gas cylinders.
23. Check the floor where the compressed gas cylinders are resting and protect them against rusting.
24. Ventilate the storage areas for compressed gas cylinders and let them be free from corrosive materials.
25. Never drag a cylinder whenever you want to move it.
26. Do not drop the cylinders violently on the ground.
27. Do not leave the cylinders with a valve cover because it could damage the cover.
28. Trained professionals should handle compressed gas cylinders
29. Do not heat the cylinder to raise the gas pressure.
30. Always close the valve when not using the gas cylinder.
31. Do not use a compressed gas cylinder to dust off your clothes because this could cause an injury to your body.
32. Do not smoke near oxygen gas cylinders because this may be too risky and cause a fire.
33. Close the cylinder valve and release all pressure before removing the regulator from the cylinder
34. Do not leave pressure in the regulator when the gas cylinder is out of use.
35. An explosion may result when you use copper fittings on acetylene tanks, so do not use them.
36. When handling gas connections, do not force any connections that do not fit in.
37. Always use a cylinder valve to turn the gas off. Do not use the regulator.
38. Handle and empty cylinders as if you’re handling filled ones.
39. Do not empty the cylinder when you are using it. Ensure to leave some residual pressure.
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