Western Carolina University
General Use Standard Operating Procedure for Compressed Gases
1. Contact Information
Name of Responsible Person:
(PI, Supervisor, or
Autonomous Researcher)
Location of Procedure:
(Building and room)
Applicable Chemicals in Use:
Safety Office:
227-7443
2. Process or Experiment Description
This standard operating procedure (SOP) is intended to provide general guidance on how to safely work with
compressed gases. This general use SOP only addresses safety issues specific to compressed gases. In some instances,
several general use SOPs may be applicable for a specific chemical (i.e., for flammable gases, both this general use SOP
and the general use SOP for flammables would apply). If you have questions concerning the applicability of any item
listed in this procedure contact the Principal Investigator/Laboratory Supervisor of your laboratory or the Safety Office
at x7443
3. Control of Hazards
Primary Hazards:
• Asphyxiation: Simple asphyxiation is the primary hazard associated with inert gases. Because inert gases are
colorless and odorless, they can escape into the atmosphere undetected and quickly reduce the concentration
of oxygen below the level necessary to support life. The use of oxygen monitoring equipment is strongly
recommended for enclosed areas where inert gases are being used.
• Fire and Explosion: Fire and explosion are the primary hazards associated with flammable gases, oxygen, and
other oxidizing gases. Flammable gases can be ignited by static electricity or by a heat source, such as a flame
or a hot object. Oxygen and other oxidizing gases do not burn, but will support combustion of flammable
materials. Increasing the concentration of an oxidizer accelerates the rate of combustion. Materials that are
nonflammable under normal conditions may burn in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.
• Chemical Burns: Corrosive gases can chemically attack various materials, including fire-resistant clothing. Some
gases are not corrosive in their pure form, but can become extremely destructive if a small amount of moisture
is added. Corrosive gases can cause rapid destruction of skin tissue.
• Chemical Poisoning: Chemical poisoning is the primary hazard of toxic gases. Even in very small concentrations,
brief exposure to these gases can result in serious poisoning injuries. Symptoms of exposure may be delayed.
• High Pressure: All compressed gases are potentially hazardous because of the high pressure stored inside the
cylinder. A sudden release of pressure can cause injuries by propelling a cylinder or whipping a line.
• Improper Handling of Cylinders: Compressed gas cylinders are heavy and awkward to handle. Improper
handling of cylinders could result in sprains, strains, falls, bruises, and broken bones. Other hazards such as
fire, explosion, chemical burns, poisoning, and cold burns could occur if gases accidentally escape from the
cylinder due to mishandling.
Controlling Hazards - General
• Check connections and hoses regularly for leaks using a specific monitoring instrument or soapy water (or
equivalent).
• When using highly flammable or toxic gas, check the delivery system using an inert gas prior to introducing the
hazardous gas.
• When using compressed acetylene:
o Do not exceed a working pressure of 15 psig,
Do not use vessels, piping, or other materials that contain a significant amount of copper (usually
considered to be more than 50% copper).
Replace valve caps when cylinders are not in use or before moving.
Remove damaged or defective cylinders from service (contact the cylinder vendor for assistance).
o
•
•
Engineering/Ventilation Controls
If the process does not permit gas use and/or storage in well-ventilated areas (i.e., lab ventilation having a
minimum of 6 air changes per hour), contact the Safety Office to determine necessity of an oxygen-deficiency
monitor or other alarm devices.
Personal Protective Equipment
At minimum, lab coats, safety glasses, and closed toed shoes should be worn when handling compressed gases.
Depending on the hazard characteristics, additional protective equipment may be necessary. Consult SDS or
contact the Safety Office for further guidance.
4. Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements.
Safe Handling:
• Compressed gas cylinders must be transported using hand-trucks or other appropriate means. NEVER TRANSPORT
UNSECURED COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS!
• Cylinders over 50 lbs. must be moved using a hand truck or dolly designed for the transport of cylinders. Trying to
move cylinders by spinning, sliding, rolling, etc. is prohibited. For movement within shops and laboratories,
cylinders weighing less than 50 lbs. can be carried if desired.
• Elevators can be a confined space – NEVER ride in an elevator with compressed gas cylinders. Have one person
send the elevator and another person receive the elevator.
Safe Storage:
• Secure compressed gas cylinders (>26" tall) to an anchored rack or stationary desk using two metal chains or
approved straps (at 1/3 and 2/3 cylinder height). Cylinders must be secured whether they are full or empty.
• No more than two cylinders may be secured with one pair of chains/straps.
• Segregate and clearly mark full and empty cylinders.
• Store compressed gas cylinders away from heat sources, and flammable and highly combustible materials (such as
oil and greases).
• Segregate according to hazard class and chemical compatibility. Ensure to separate flammable and oxidizing gases.
• Store flammable gases away from flammable solvents, combustible material, ignition sources (including
unprotected electrical connections), and oxygen gas cylinders and liquid oxygen (at least 20 feet if possible).
• Additionally, follow all substance-specific storage guidance provided in SDS documentation.
5. Spill and Accident Procedures
Most leaks occur at the valve in the top of the cylinder and may involve the valve threads, valve stem, valve outlet, or
pressure relief devices. Personnel should not attempt to repair leaking cylinders. Where action can be taken without
serious exposure to workers, move the cylinder to an isolated, well-ventilated area (away from combustible materials
if the cylinder contains a flammable or oxidizing gas) and contact the Safety Office.
Whenever a large or uncontrollable leak occurs, evacuate the area and immediately contact the Safety Office
6. Waste Disposal
Coordinate with vendor for return of empty cylinders.
7. Minimum Training Requirements
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•
Chemical Safety for Laboratories
Compressed Gas Safety
Laboratory-specific training
8. Approval Request
Reference the WCU CHP to determine the need for prior approval for high risk procedures. Approval must be granted
from the PI and the Safety Office and documented in writing.
9. Decontamination Procedures
Not applicable.
10. Designated Area
For compressed gases that are also considered particularly hazardous substances, a designated area shall be
established per the other applicable SOP(s)
General Use Standard Operating Procedure for Compressed Gas
“I have read and understand this SOP. I agree to fully adhere to its requirements.”
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