Gas Cylinder Safety Guidelines

12 Gas Cylinder Safety Guidelines improves the internal seal and helps prevent packing leaks. • Use a cylinder cap hook to loosen tight cylinder caps. Never apply excessive force to pry off caps. Return a cylinder to the supplier to remove “stuck” caps. • Do not install shut-off valves between pressure relief devices and the equipment they protect. • Do not stand in-line with the regulator and valve outlet when attaching the regulator to the cylinder. System Construction The following information applies to the use of manifolds, piping, valves and/or regulators: • Where compressed gas cylinders are connected to a manifold, the manifold and its related equipment, such as regulators  (see Appendix IV), must be of proper design for the product(s) they are to contain at the appropriate temperatures, pressures and flows. • Use only approved valves, regulators, manifolds, piping, and other associated equipment in any system that requires compressed gas. ¤¤ Ensure pressure gauges on regulators are correct for the pressure of the gas cylinder used. ¤¤ Gas threads, configurations, and valve outlets are different for each class of gases to prevent mixing of incompatible gases. Lecture bottles are an exception. • Lecture bottles use universal threads and valves, some of which are interchangeable. Label all associated equipment with the gas name, to prevent unintentional mixing of incompatible materials. • Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet V-1: “Standard for Compressed Gas Cylinder Valves,” lists the appropriate valve for each gas. Manufacturers and distributors should also be able to identify the valves and associated equipment required for each gas. • Contact EH&S, (515) 294-5359 or Ames Laboratory Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH), (515) 294-2153 with cylinder use questions. System Maintenance The following information applies to the use of system piping, regulators, manifolds and other apparatuses: • Keep piping, regulators, and other apparatuses gas-tight to prevent gas leaks. • Confirm the connection seal by using compatible leak test