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Compressed Gas Cylinders: DOs and DON’Ts

March 14, 2024

Does your role include the handling of compressed gas cylinders? Make sure you know these DOs and DON’Ts before working with compressed gas, for your safety and the safety of those around you.

DOs

  • Always keep cylinders in a secure and upright position.
  • Close valves and tighten caps when not in use.
  • Mark the cylinder “Empty’ when the gas has been used.
  • Keep oil and grease away from oxygen cylinders (oil and oxygen can ignite spontaneously).
  • Open valves slowly, using the valve wheel or T-handle wrench provided by the supplier.
  • Store oxygen and fuel gas cylinders at least 20 feet apart or separated by a 5-foot-high noncombustible barrier.
  • If the cylinder is too heavy to handle, use a hand truck to move it or ask a trained co-worker for help.
  • Inspect cylinders for leaks and check support brackets regularly for strength and integrity.
  • Report leaks or any damage to your supervisor immediately.
  • Dispose of gas cylinders according to local regulations.
  • Secure gas cylinders to prevent them from falling over or being knocked over.
  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, gloves, and protective clothing when handling gas cylinders.

DON’Ts

  • Don’t permit sparks, flames, or molten metal to contact the cylinder.
  • Never mix the valves of acetylene and oxygen.
  • Never use grease or oil on valves.
  • Don’t lift cylinders without safety caps in place.
  • Never use oxygen to blow or dust off your work clothes.
  • Don’t roll cylinders horizontally on the ground.
  • Never drop cylinders on the ground or other work surfaces.
  • Don’t store oxygen cylinders on the ground or other work surfaces.
  • Don’t store oxygen cylinders with other fuel gas cylinders.
  • Never use a leaking gas cylinder. Take it out of service immediately.
  • Never tamper with the pressure relief device on a compressed gas cylinder.

Did you know about the NEW ‘WHMIS Hazardous Material Management (Compressed Gas Cylinder Standard Operating Procedure)? It is currently posted on the intranet page under Occupational Health and Safety Policy Documents and can be accessed by clicking on the link : Compressed Gas Cylinder Standard Operating Procedure

Please contact Abinaya Selvakumar (Aby), Occupational Health and Safety Specialist at abinaya.selvakumar@wchospital.ca if you have any question or concerns. A sample quick tip sheet is attached for your reference.

Handling & Storing Cylinders Safely 1. Secure cylinders properly at all times. 2. Store cylinders in cool, well ventilated, fire resistant areas in compliance with local, state and federal regulations. 3. Place cylinders where they will not be damaged by forklifts, knocked over or hit by falling objects. 4. Close valves and tighten caps when not in use. 5. Inspect cylinders for leaks and check support brackets regularly for strength and integrity. 6. Move cylinders using hand trucks designed for the purpose. 7. Report leaks or any damage to your supervisor immediately.