Compressed Gas Handling

1. Tanks or cylinders of compressed gases must be properly secured at all times. This includes spare and empty tanks.

2. Empty tanks awaiting removal should NOT be left standing freely or without protective valve caps in corridors or laboratories.

3. Methods of Securement:

• The preferred method of securing compressed gas cylinders is by enclosure with a length of chain firmly anchored at both ends to a stone or masonry wall.
• An alternative method of securement is with a canvas tank strap securely clamped to an immovable table or bench top.
• In either of the above methods, the anchor points of the chain or strap should be about two-thirds of the way up the tank.

B. Handling Precautions

1. Proper precautions should always be observed when using or moving compressed gas cylinders.

• Each tank must be properly and permanently identified when received. Never accept a cylinder on which the name of the contents is not clearly legible. Do not rely on color codes for tank identifications.
• Proper cylinder carts should always be used for moving or relocating tanks. Tank carts are available for temporary use from the departmental research stockroom. Do not roll cylinders.
• The protective valve cap should be left in place until after the cylinder has been secured in its eventual location.
• The CGA classifications of regulator fittings must match those of the tanks on which they are used. Makeshift arrangements are hazardous and are not allowed. Required CGA classifications for most gases are provided in compressed gas catalogs that are available in the departmental Business Office, Room 119.
• Proper traps should always be provided when gases are bubbled into liquids or reaction mixtures to prevent possible backflow of the liquid into the gas cylinder. In addition, check valves are recommended for all compressed gas supply lines.

2. Metal cylinders of flammable gases must be properly connected to an earth ground.

3. Properly designed tank trucks should be used for transporting large cryogenic containers of liquid nitrogen. In order to prevent tampering by unauthorized personnel, cryogenic containers should not be left unattended in the corridor outside the departmental liquid nitrogen dispensing facility (Room 36.)