Brandeis Safety Operating Policy
Title:
Compressed Gas Transport and use
Revision
00
Date
1/8/08
Pages
1 of 2
WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF THIS GUIDELINE?
This Guideline identifies general safety precautions that should be reviewed and
followed when dealing with compressed gas cylinders at Brandeis. The MSDS for
specific gases should be reviewed to identify and understand the hazards for
those gases prior to use.
MSDS for Airgas cylinders can be found at:
http://www.airgas.com/content/msds.aspx
WHAT ARE THE HAZARDS I COULD BE EXPOSED TO?
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Impact from falling cylinders (keep them secure)
Fire & Explosion
Poisoning
Asphyxiation (displacing oxygen)
Over exposure
Frostbite or gas injection under skin
Hazards from broken cylinder heads
CYLINDER TRANSPORT AND STORAGE
When transporting high and low pressure cylinders an approved cart must be
used. The cylinder cap* must be in place and secure (DO NOT transport any
cylinder with a regulator attached). Ensure that cylinder straps are secure on the
cart if provided. Use a cylinder cart!
Cylinders of compressed gases pose a significant hazard if the valve is damaged
or broken off and must be handled as high energy sources. The cylinder cap
MUST be in place and secure when storing (when not in use) or moving a
cylinder. Use suitable racks, straps, chains or stands to support cylinders. Do not
store cylinders or lecture bottles with the regulator in place. If the regulator fails,
the entire contents of the gas cylinder may be discharged.
Follow these guidelines:
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Ensure that empty & full bottles are labeled & separated
Caps are installed
Store upright & away from heat sources
Store in dry & well ventilated areas
Ensure that Oxygen cylinders are stored separately
Ensure that cylinders are chained or strapped to prevent
tipping
No smoking around storage or use areas
Fuel gas and oxygen stored a minimum of 20 feet apart or
separated by a 1-hour fire wall
Ensure straps and clamps are in good
condition
HANDLING EMERGENCIES INVOLVING COMPRESSED GASSES
All staff should be made aware of emergency notification procedures related
to compressed gas emergencies. In the event of a release or potential for
release, or personal injury, fire, explosion or other hazard, contact University
Police at 63333. The University Police will notify the appropriate parties
including the Environmental Health & Safety Department (64262).
Prior to use of any compressed gas, be aware of the location and use of
emergency equipment including first aid kits, eye wash stations and showers,
fire pull stations and fire extinguishers.
Plans should also be established in each area to identify gas controls.
Attempts to isolate and shut off compressed gasses in an emergency should
only be done without risk to Brandeis students, staff or faculty.
The Department ordering compressed gases is responsible for ensuring that
a Material Safety Data Sheet is provided to the EH&S Department prior to the
receipt of the gas on campus.
ENGINEERING & ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
Engineering Controls
Gas cylinder storage areas
Flow Restrictors
Leak Monitors
Fume hoods
Ventilation systems
Sprinkler systems
Administrative Controls
Inspections
Employee training
Segregation of gas containers
Inspections and audits
Signs & Labels
Personal Protective Equipment use
Identification of authorized employees
Procedures for receipt, use and storage
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF
Ensure that you review the MSDS for any compressed gas if you are not familiar
with its potential hazards.
Follow that handling and transport guidelines in this document.
Use proper personal protective equipment when handling cylinders of cryogenic
materials (See Guideline #23).
WASTE DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Contact the Hazardous Waste Hotline at 62561 or the Environmental Health &
Safety Department at 64262 if you have any compressed gas cylinders for
disposal.