Gas Cylinder Safety Guidelines

11 Gas Cylinder Safety Guidelines E. General use requirements Gas Cylinder Use • Never apply excessive force when trying to open valves. • Never allow flames or concentrated heat sources to come in contact with a gas cylinder. • Never allow a gas cylinder to become part of an electrical circuit. • Never partially open a cylinder valve to remove dust or debris from the cylinder inlet. • Never use cylinder gas as a compressed air source. • Never use adapters or exchange fittings between tanks and regulators. • Never use Teflon TM tape on Compressed Gas Association (CGA) fittings (straight thread) where the seal is made by metal- to-metal contact. Use of Teflon TM tape causes the threads to spread and weaken, increasing the likelihood of leaks. Small pieces of tape can also become lodged in the valve mechanism resulting in possible valve failure. • Never attempt to open a corroded valve; it may be impossible to reseal or it may break and release the cylinder’s contents. Valve and Regulator Use • Ensure the regulator pressure control valve is relieved (i.e., closed) before attaching it to cylinders. • Close valves on gas cylinders when a system is not in use. • Remove all pressure from regulators not currently used (by opening equipment valves downstream after the regulators are closed). • Use pressure relief valves in downstream lines to prevent high pressure buildup in the event that a regulator valve does not seat properly and a tank valve is left on. • Vent relief valves to a fume hood or ventilated gas cabinet, when using flammable or toxic gases. • Pressurize regulators slowly and ensure that valve outlets and regulators are pointed away from all personnel when cylinder valves are opened. • Leave the wrench in place on the cylinder valve, when needed, to open the main valve. Use adequately sized wrenches (12 inches long) to minimize ergonomic stress when turning tight tank valves. Cylinders with “stuck” valves should be returned to suppliers to have valves repaired. • Fully open valves during cylinder use. A fully open valve