Blue Ridge Safety Association Safety Presentations Compressed Gasses

Blue Ridge Safety Association Safety Presentations Compressed Gasses Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

What is a Compressed Gas? l Definition: – Any materials or mixtures in containers having an absolute pressure in excess of 40 psi at 70 F or in excess of 104 psi at 130 F l Examples: – Argon, carbon dioxide, acetylene, helium, hydrogen chloride, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Chemical Hazards l Corrosive l Toxic l Flammable l Reactive l Cryogenic l Asphyxiant Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Compressed Gases Present Unique Hazards l High Pressure: potential explosive or missile l Diffusion of leaking gases can result in: – Toxic atmosphere – Asphyxiation – Explosive concentration of flammable gas l Lower ignition points: fire/explosion l Lower boiling points: can cause frostbite Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Identification & Labeling l Contents of cylinders must be labeled – Never work with unidentified cylinders l Always read the label – Don’t rely on color codes l Never destroy, deface, or remove labels l Inspect for damage Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Before Working with Gas l Review MSDS sheets – Specific hazards – Special precautions in handling and use – First-aid requirements for emergency situations – Emergency response information l Follow personal protective equipment requirements – Goggles, face shields, gloves Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Moving Cylinders Safely l Use cylinder carts or hand trucks l Secure cylinders with chain or strap l Ensure protective valves are in place l Handle as if full Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

How Not to Move Cylinders l Lift using protective valve caps l Roll or drag l Drop cylinders or allow cylinders to strike each other l Carry multiple cylinders by hand l Transport with regulator installed l Use forklift or other device without approved attachment Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Connecting Valves & Regulators l Check threads on valves, regulators, fittings – Look for signs of damage – Clear cylinder valves of dust or dirt l Make sure regulators match valves – Use only regulators & fittings designated by the manufacturer for that gas cylinder – Never force fittings – Never modify fittings - no substitute solutions Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Safely Opening the Cylinder l Release adjusting screw l Position valve away from face/eyes l Open valve slowly l If valve won’t open – It may be damaged – Do not use pliers, wrench, or other “cheaters” to force it open. Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

How to Check for Leaks Whenever cylinder is reconnected: l Ensure lines & fittings are tight & hoses in good condition l Cover cylinder with soapy water – Check for bubbles escaping l If leak is discovered, inform supervisor – If safe to handle, move to outside location Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

While Using Cylinder l Keep cylinder in upright position l Away from heat or ignition sources l Away from major traffic flow l Valve accessible at all times – Keep valve spindle key in stem (if applicable) l Cylinder valve closed when not in use Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

What to Avoid During Use l Never leave an open cylinder unattended l Never direct a stream of gas toward a co-worker l Never use compressed gas to blow dust l Never attempt to repair a cylinder valve l Never put oil or grease around fittings Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Special Precautions l Corrosives: Know nearest eyewash location l Acetylene: Never use copper tubing l Oxygen: No contact with oil or grease l Toxics or Flammables – Use required flow restrictors – Use toxic only in well-ventilated areas Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Emergency Response l Poison Gas – Evacuate area – Close door l Flammable – Turn off sources of ignition l Inert Gas – Place in well-ventilated area – Notify supervisor Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

When Finished With Cylinder l Close main cylinder valve l Bring regulator pressure gauges to zero l Remove regulators l Replace protective cap l Return to storage area Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Empty Cylinders l Cylinder is empty at 25 psi l Replace valve caps even if empty l Mark cylinders “empty” or “MT” l Never refill a cylinder l Separate empty and full cylinders during storage l Never discard a cylinder in normal trash Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Cylinder Storage: Storage Area l Storage areas are: – Designed only for cylinders with appropriate hazard signs posted – Well-ventilated, level, and dry – Kept at temperatures <125 F or >-21 F l Keep cylinders away from: – Sources of heat or readily ignitable substances – Corrosive chemicals & fumes – Electrical wiring Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Cylinder Storage (continued) l Store in compatible groups l Store in upright position w/ protective valve caps on l Secure to fixed support using straps or chains l Never store near high traffic areas Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Summary l Use proper PPE and know the dangers l Move using cart and secure with straps l Keep valve caps on when not in use l Equipment must be compatible and system leak-free l Never fully empty cylinders l Store in designated locations Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications

Thank you for supporting BRSA We appreciate your comments about the effectiveness of this training method and the delivery system E-mail your comments to comments@blueridgesafety. org Copyright ã 2002 Progressive Business Publications