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GAS CYLINDER SAFETY

1. Do not drop cylinders or permit them to strike anything violently.
2. Cylinders transported by truck must be fastened securely in an upright position so that they will not fall or strike each other.
3. Always chain gas cylinders upright to a wall, cylinder truck, cylinder rack or post.
4. Caps used for valve protection should be kept on the cylinders at all times except when the cylinder is actually being used or charged. Cylinders cannot be transported without safety caps. A cylinder's cap should be screwed all the way down on the cylinder's neck ring and should fit securely. Do not lift cylinders by the cap. The cap is for valve protection only.
5. Do not use cylinders for rolling, supports, or any purpose other than the transportation and supply of gas.
6. Open cylinder valves SLOWLY. Do not use a wrench to open or close a hand wheel type cylinder valve. If it cannot be operated by hand, the valve should be repaired. Cylinders returned to Stores with damaged valves will be repaired and repair charges will be charged back to user department.
7. Do not attempt to repair cylinder valves or their relief devices while a cylinder contains gas pressure.
8. Before attaching cylinders to a connection, be sure that the threads on the cylinder and the connection mate are of a type intended for the gas service.
9. Do not permit oil or grease to come in contact with cylinders or their valves.
10. Do not charge, ship or use any cylinder which is not provided with a legible decal that identifies its contents.
11. Cylinders should be stored in a well ventilated area away from flames, sparks or any source of heat or ignition. Keep cylinders away from electrical circuits.
12. Do not expose cylinders to an open flame or to any temperature above 130 degrees F.
13. Oxygen cylinders (empty or full) in storage should be seperated from fuel-gas cylinders and combustible materials by a minimum distance of 20 feet or by a barrier at least 5 feet high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.
14. Do not store flammable gas cylinders with oxygen or nitrous oxide cylinders adjacent to oxygen charging facilities.
15. Full and empty cylinders of all gases should be stored seperately and identified by signs to prevent confusion.
16. Cylinders may be stored outdoors but should be protected from the ground to prevent bottom corrosion. Where extreme temperatures prevail, cylinders should be stored so they are protected from the direct rays of the sun.
17. Cylinders should not be exposed to continuous dampness, stored near salt or other corrosive chemicals or fumes. Corrosion may damage cylinders and cause their valve protection caps to stick.
18. Always use the proper regulator for the gas in the cylinder.
19. Always check the regulator before attaching it to a cylinder. If the connections do not fit together readily, the wrong regulator is being used.
20. Always "crack" the cylinder valve (open it slightly and close it immediately) before attaching a gas regulator to any cylinder - except a hydrogen or fuel gas cylinder.
21. Wipe the outlet with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth once the cylinder valve has been cracked. The threads and mating surfaces of the regulator and hose connections should be cleaned before the regulator is attached.
22. Always use a cylinder wrench or another tightly fitting wrench to tighten the regulator nut and hose connections.
23. Do not crack hydrogen and fuel-gas cylinder valves - merely wipe out the outlet connections with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
24. Attach the regulator securely before opening the valve wide.
25. Stand to the side of the regulator when opening the cylinder valve.
26. Tag leaking cylinders or cylinders with stuck valves and move to a safe, secure outdoor location.