Duraclean Journal of Marketing, Management and Technical Topics

Compressed Gases Training








The following article is a condensation from the "Safety News Alert" newsletter from BLR (http://www.blr.com). It provides information on how to make sure employees don't expose themselves to existing electrical hazards or create them.



Extreme care has to be taken with compressed gases. Related to that you also need a high standard of training to ensure employee compliance with safety rules.

Basic Rules for Compressed Gases
There are various precautions dependent upon the type of compressed gas. Still, there are a series of rules that apply to all compressed gases:

• Use cylinders only in well-ventilated areas.


• Keep them away from heat and ignition sources.


• Never smoke around compressed gas cylinders.


• Make sure they are secured upright when in use.


• Open valves slowly, making sure they are pointed away from you and co-workers.


• Don't try to force valves that won't open.


• Don't tamper with safety devices.


• Make sure that equipment is compatible with the cylinder pressure and contents.


• Check all connections before use and periodically during use to make sure they are not leaking.


• Keep valves closed when cylinders are not in use.


• When a cylinder is empty, close the valve, disassemble equipment properly, replace the valve protection cap, mark the cylinder "empty" or "MT" and store it separately from full cylinders.

Storage Requirements
OSHA is very specific about compressed gas storage requirements. While there is some variation depending on the gas, all must be stored:

• In a dry, well-ventilated area at least 20 feet from combustible materials, heat sources, or electrical wiring.


• Away from stairs and elevators in locations where they are unlikely to be knocked over or banged.


• Secured upright by chain or cable at least 20 feet from oxygen cylinders with valves closed and valve protection caps screwed down
  with the oldest cylinders placed so that they will be used first.

The Right Moves
The potential for accidents increases when compressed gas cylinders are moved. When they must be moved, employees should take these precautions:

• Move cylinders secured upright to a hand truck or other appropriate device.


• Keep valve protection caps on when moving cylinders.


• Don't try to carry cylinders by hand; don't roll them; don't drag them.


• Make sure not to bump, bang, or drop cylinders.


• Keep them away from sparks, heat, fire, and electrical circuits while moving them.


• Avoid handling cylinders with oily or greasy hands (oil or grease could react with the gas and start a fire, or slippery hands could lose their grip and result in a cylinder hitting the ground or another object).

Labels: Safety Compliance, Safety Management, Training