Compressed Air Cylinder Safety

Having safety measures in place is especially important when working with air compressors and other high powered machinery.

Compressed air cylinder safety. For example osha rules provide different guidance for storage on construction sites and industrial settings. Gas cylinders must be clearly identified. Keep cylinders out of the sun away from sources of flame or sparks and out of areas in which temperatures may exceed 125of. Never attempt to repair a cylinder or valve firmly attach cylinders to a bench top wall or holding cage.

Oxidizers should not rest within twenty feet of gases which are flammable. When these toxic gas cylinders are involved in a fire the area must be evacuated. 29 cfr 1910 101 a states employers must visually inspect compressed gas cylinders to ensure that they are in a safe condition visual cylinder inspections should look for leaks bulging defective valves evidence of physical abuse fire or heat damage pitting rusting or corrosion. Use chains or sturdy straps shut the cylinder valve when gas is not in use.

Special storage use and handling precautions are necessary in order to control these hazards. Compressed gases can cause fires explosions oxygen deficient atmospheres toxic gas exposures as well as the innate physical hazard associated with cylinders under high pressure. Air tank safety valves should be set no less than 15 psi or 10 percent whichever is greater above the operating pressure of the compressor but never higher than the maximum allowable working pressure of the air receiver. The safe way to store cylinders depends on the type of cylinder its contents and the nature of the site.

Special storage use handling and disposal procedures are necessary to ensure the safety of researchers using these chemicals and equipment. Here are the compressed gas cylinder storage tips. Consult the air products safety data sheet sds and safetygrams for safety information on the gases and equipment you will be using. Compressed air should be treated with the same amount of care as other energy sources as misuse or a lack of the proper precautions can present risks.

Keep the tanks away from the sun flames sparks and areas that reach and exceed 125 degrees fahrenheit. Compressed gas cylinder safety precautions. Know and understand the properties uses and safety precautions before using any gas or gas mixture. Include firewalls for cylinders with contents that pose different types of hazards.

Overview 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. Air lines between the compressor and receiver should usually not be equipped with stop valves. Not all compressed gas cylinders have safety devices. Never rely on the color of the cylinder for identification.