SOM014
THE TRANSPORT AND USE OF COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS
Hazards
 Pressurised gas cylinders are very heavy and unstable objects and as such can present
considerable danger to those handling them.
 They contain gas at high pressure, which may be toxic, asphyxiating and/or flammable.
 Apart from the chemical risk from these gases, serious physical damage can be caused by
exposure to the full force of the escaping gas.
 Gas cylinder valves are very robust but a broken valve can turn a cylinder into a lethal
projectile.
 Gas pressure regulators are much less robust and if damaged or worn may allow the escape
of gas.
Precautions
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Check that the cylinder you use contains the gas you want (check the label).
Churning of gas cylinders may only be done after training and then kept to a minimum.
Transport the cylinder only in an approved trolley by pushing and not by pulling.
If you are unable or have difficulty moving gas cylinders seek assistance.
Transporting gas cylinders to other floors must be done using the lifts.
Gas cylinders must travel within the lift unaccompanied.
Once installed make sure the cylinder is firmly secured in an approved location.
 Cylinders must not be used from the trolley in a laboratory.
 CYLINDERS MUST NEVER BE LEFT FREESTANDING.
Only use the correct regulator designated for a particular gas. Check the pressure
rating. Is it capable of coping with the pressure in the cylinder? Is the regulator marked with a
red line to indicate the maximum pressure to be applied to the experimental apparatus?
Never use oil or grease especially on an Oxygen cylinder and do not use PTFE tape to
attempt to seal leaks.
NEVER use a non-Oxygen regulator on an Oxygen cylinder.
Turn the regulator to zero before opening the valve at the spindle and when finished, close
the valve at the spindle.
NEVER transport a cylinder with its regulator in place.
Return all gas cylinders after use.
Training
Before using or moving gas cylinders for the first time approved training must be completed.
Training is carried out by the Stores personnel.
Emergency Procedures
 Escape of gas: If the gas escape is large and potentially toxic, leave the area immediately.
Close all doors on exit. Operate Nearest Fire Alarm Point. Warn people to avoid the
affected area. Telephone Security on 64999 to inform them the nature of the emergency: remember even an inert gas can kill by asphyxiation. For small non-toxic leaks, inform a
member of staff, ventilate, evacuate, seal and secure the room.
ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room C15, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
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SOM014
 Falling Cylinder: If a cylinder falls over, NEVER attempt to catch it. It is much too heavy and
will cause you serious injury. It is also very robust and is unlikely to be damaged, although it
may make a loud noise. Do not attempt to upright it by yourself. Get competent help.
References
“Safe Under Pressure” B.O.C. Gases available from the SSA or SA.
Refer also to “Use of Flammable, Explosive and Toxic Gases”
USE OF ALL COMPRESSED GASES, FLAMMABLE,
EXPLOSIVE TOXIC AND SHIELDING GASES
Hazards
 Leakage or escape of flammable gases can produce a serious explosive hazard in a
laboratory. Acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, propane, ethylene and
carbon monoxide are especially dangerous.
Hydrogen flames from leaks can be almost invisible and thus difficult to detect.
 Apart from explosive hazard, gases can be reactive e.g. oxygen and highly toxic e.g. carbon
monoxide.
 Shielding gases such as nitrogen and argon can cause asphyxiation by displacing air if
released in quantity.
 Some gases can be toxic, e.g. carbon dioxide
Precautions
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With flammable gases use only in a fume hood or in a well ventilated laboratory.
Rigorously exclude naked flames or other ignition sources of ignition from the vicinity.
Always use a gas cylinder in the vertical position, i.e. never in horizontal position.
Gas cylinders, control valves and pressure regulators and gauges should all be used
carefully and according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. Broken or damaged
equipment should not be used but must be replaced. Use only equipment, which is
appropriate i.e. specially, designed for use with toxic, explosive or corrosive gases.
Gas cylinder gauge heads must be inspected and serviced on a regular basis – see SOM041
for details.
Flammable gases must always be used with the appropriate flash-back arrester, which must
be replace every 5 years.
There should be a regular check for leaks especially in joints. However, beware of using leakdetecting fluids on oxygen lines unless you are certain they are compatible. NEVER USE A
FLAME WHEN TESTING FOR LEAKS. Consider using a gas sensor to detect leakage.
Consider using automatic gas cylinder shut-off device for use in an emergency?
Consider using an oxygen or an appropriate gas meter?
ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room C15, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
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SOM014
The receiving equipment / apparatus should be capable of accepting the gas at the required
operating pressure and flow rate.
Prior to introducing a flammable gas into a reaction vessel, the equipment should be purged
of oxygen by evacuation, or by flushing with inert gas at least three times.
Exhaust lines should be properly vented e.g. to a fume hood.
As far as possible, cylinders of flammable gases e.g. hydrogen should not be sited near
emergency escape routes.
A COSHH Assessment should be made for all gases.
The handling of flammable and toxic gases will always have some degree of risk and
constant vigilance is required in their use.
Training Requirements
Training by an experienced person is essential. An experienced person could be for example a
Supervisor, Experimental Officer or Technician.
Emergency Procedures
Leakage
 If the leak is small, attempt to close off the cylinder valve and contact technical staff, but do
not endanger yourself. Eliminate all sources of ignition, ventilate and evacuate the
laboratory. BEWARE of approaching a possible hydrogen leak since the gas burns with an
almost invisible flame - carry a rolled up newspaper in front of you to check for a flame.
 If the leak is large, evacuate the laboratory, sound the fire alarm, and follow the Emergency
Evacuation Procedures in the Centre Health and Safety Policy handbook.
 Following a large-scale leakage of an asphyxiant or toxic gas e.g. nitrogen, argon or carbon
dioxide never re-enter a laboratory without permission. Lack of oxygen may not be apparent
but the effect will still be deadly. Be aware that asphyxiant gases may be heavier than air and
accumulate at floor or lower levels.
Fire
 Sound the alarms and evacuate.
References
B.O.C. publication “Safe under Pressure” plus relevant data sheets.
UMIST SAFETY MANUAL - Part 2: Laboratories, Workshops and General
ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room C15, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
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