Compressed Gas Cylinders | Airgas (2025)

FAQs

What are five basic rules for using compressed gas cylinders? ›

(11) Inside of buildings, cylinders shall be stored in a well-protected, well-ventilated, dry location, at least 20 feet (6.1 m) from highly combustible materials such as oil or excelsior. Cylinders should be stored in definitely assigned places away from elevators, stairs, or gangways.

Common examples are nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide cylinders.

Gas cylinders must be secured at all times to prevent tipping. Cylinders may be attached to a bench top, individually to the wall, placed in a holding cage, or have a non-tip base attached. Chains or sturdy straps may be used to secure them.

If the cylinder is dropped on a hard surface it can cause an explosion. Only properly trained personal should handle compressed gas cylinders. Back off the pressure adjusting screw of the regulator to release spring force before opening the cylinder valve.

Oxygen or nitrous oxide shall not be stored in the same area with flammable gases unless separated by at least 20 feet or by a one-hour rated fire resistant partition. Cylinders stored in an area outside a building must be a minimum distance of 20 feet from flammable gases or combustible material.

Storage areas should be dry, well-drained, ventilated, and fire- resistant. Avoid sub-surface storage. Cylinders can be stored in the open, but they should be protected from the ground or continuous dampness to prevent rusting. Prevent exposure to salt, corrosive chemicals or fumes.

No opening into buildings, cellars or pits should be within 2m of an LPG storage area. No flammable liquids, combustible, corrosive or oxidising material should be stored within 3m of an LPG store. Compressed oxygen must be kept 10m away from all flammable gases; these include propane, butane and dissolved acetylene.

Close valves on gas cylinders when a system is not in use. 7.10 Always close the cylinder valve of an apparently empty cylinder before disconnecting the regulator. Mark all empty cylinders as "empty" or "MT."

Hazards associated with compressed gases include oxygen displacement, fires, explosions, and toxic gas exposures, as well as the physical hazards associated with high pressure systems. Special storage, use, and handling precautions are necessary in order to control these hazards.

What is the most vulnerable part of a compressed gas cylinder? ›

Valves on Compressed Gas Cylinders

This valve allows the cylinder to contain gases and allows gas to be filled into or emptied from the cylinder. The cylinder valve is the most vulnerable part of the compressed gas cylinder. Leaks can also occur at the regulator, cylinder stem, and hose connections.

Store out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat and ignition; temperatures must not exceed 125 F. Acetylene cylinders must never be stored on their sides. Always place valve protectors on gas cylinders when the cylinders are not connected for use.

Here are some tips for handling compressed gas cylinders safely: Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, gloves, and protective clothing when handling gas cylinders. Store gas cylinders in an upright position, away from heat sources and flames.

Unless cylinders are firmly secured on a special carrier intended for this purpose, regulators shall be removed and valve protection caps put in place before cylinders are moved. A suitable cylinder truck, chain, or other steadying device shall be used to keep cylinders from being knocked over while in use.

NEVER OPEN a damaged valve. AVOID direct skin contact with extremely cold liquids or compressed gases escaping from the cylinder. NEVER WEAR watches, rings, or bracelets because they can freeze to exposed skin if splashed by an ultracold gas. Wear insulated gloves to protect against the cold.

Compressed gases can be toxic, flammable, oxidizing, corrosive, inert, or some combination of these hazards. In addition to the chemical hazards, the amount of energy resulting from the compression of the gas makes a compressed gas cylinder a potential rocket.

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, gloves, and protective clothing when handling gas cylinders. Store gas cylinders in an upright position, away from heat sources and flames. Secure gas cylinders to prevent them from falling over or being knocked over.

Use standard cylinder dollies to transport compressed gas cylinders. While dollies are preferred, cylinders weighing 11 Kg (25 lbs) or less may be hand-carried. Never move a cylinder with a regulator connected to it. Cylinder valve-protection caps and valve-opening caps must be in place when moving cylinders.