The gas pressure within a cylinder depends on its physical state. For example, "permanent" gases exert a pressure proportional to the amount of gas in the cylinder; while gases which are liquified in the cylinder e.g., carbon dioxide, propane, ammonia, etc., exert vapor pressure as long as liquid remains.
Handling Guidelines
For more information, please see Airgas resources.
- Gas cylinder connections must be inspected frequently for deterioration and must never be used without a regulator.
- Never use a leaking, corroded or damaged cylinder.
- DO NOT attempt to repair a cylinder yourself. Return the cylinder to the manufacturer.
- Never refill compressed gas cylinders.
- When stopping a leak between the cylinder and regulator, always close the valve before tightening the union nut.
- The regulator must be replaced with a safety cap when the cylinder is not in use.
- When moving gas cylinders, verify first that the safety cap is in place and only use carts designed for this purpose
- When transporting cylinders of compressed gases, always secure the cylinder with straps
or chains onto a suitable hand truck and protect the valve with a cover cap.
- Avoid dragging, sliding, or rolling cylinders and use a freight elevator when possible.
Storage Guidelines
For more information, please see Airgas resources.
- Cylinders of compressed gases are to be strapped or chained to a wall or bench top and are capped when not in use.
- No more than three cylinders may be chained together with one chain.
- Cylinders CANNOT be stored in a cart.
- Do not expose cylinders to excessive dampness, corrosive chemicals or fumes
- Certain gas cylinders require additional precautions.
- Flammable gas cylinders must use only flame-resistant gas lines and hoses which carry flammable or toxic gases from cylinders and must have all connections wired.
- Compressed oxygen gas cylinders must be stored at least 20 feet away from combustible materials and flammable gases.
- Flammable gases must be stored separated from oxidizing gases.
- This is only an exception for gas cylinders used for welding.
-
- Introduction and Purpose
- Employee Information and Training
- Safe Chemical Use
- Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
- National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Diamond
- Safety Data Sheets
- Minimize Exposure to Chemicals
- Routes of Chemical Entry
- Chemical Exposure Limits
- Chemical Exposure Monitoring
- Toxicity
- Chemical Labeling
- General Storage Guidelines
- Transportation of Chemicals
- Chemical Segregation
- Chemical Hazards
- Particularly Hazardous Substances
- Control Measures
- Physical Hazards
- Emergencies and Exposures
- Other Hazards
- Hazardous Chemical Waste Disposal
- Record Keeping
- Appendix A: Globe Selection
- Appendix B: Chemical Segregation
- Appendix C: Particularly Hazardous Substances
- Appendix D: Information on Chemical Exposures from Health Hazards
- Appendix E: Standard Operating Procedures Guide
- Appendix F: Safe Use of Pyrophoric Reagents
- Appendix G: Information on Controlled Substances
- Appendix H: Risk Assessment Guide
- Appendix I: Laboratory Emergency Readiness Guide
- Appendix J: Inspection Guide
- Appendix K: Chemical Inventory Guide
- Appendix L: Lab Equipment Guide
- Appendix M: Laboratory Management Guide
- Appendix N: Reproductive Health
- Chemical Hygiene Resources and References
- Glossary