Gas Cylinder Safety Guidelines

15 Gas Cylinder Safety Guidelines F. Specific Hazard Classes This section provides additional guidance to be used in conjunction with the General Use Requirements Section. Corrosive Gases Examples include chlorine, hydrogen chloride, fluorine, hydrogen fluoride, and hydrogen sulfide. • Remove regulators after use and flush with dry air or nitrogen. • Metals become brittle when used in corrosive gas service; check equipment and lines frequently for leaks. • Use a diaphragm gauge with corrosive gases that would destroy a steel or bronze gauge. Check with the gas supplier for recommended equipment. • Standard operating procedures for processes that use corrosive, toxic or highly toxic gases must be developed and include emergency response actions. All affected personnel must be trained on these procedures. Cryogenic Liquids and Gases Cryogenic liquids and their boil-off gases rapidly freeze human tissue and cause embrittlement of many common materials. All cryogenic liquids produce large volumes of gas when they vaporize and may create oxygen-deficient conditions. Examples of common cryogenic liquids include liquid oxygen, hydrogen, helium, and liquid neon. The following information applies to the use and handling of cryogenics: • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including insulated gloves, lab coat and eye protection (goggles and a face shield) during any transfer of cryogenic liquid. • In the event of skin contact with a cryogenic liquid, do not rub skin; place the affected part of the body in a warm water bath (not to exceed 40°C [105°F]). Report all skin contact with cryogenic liquid to your supervisor and seek medical attention. • Use only equipment, valves, and containers designed for the intended product, service pressure and temperature. • Inspect containers for loss of insulating vacuum. If the outside jacket on a container is cold or has frost spots, some vacuum has been lost. Empty the contents into another cryogenic container and remove the damaged unit from service. Repairs should be made by the manufacturer or an authorized company. • Transfer operations involving open cryogenic containers, such as dewars, must be conducted slowly to minimize boiling and splashing of the cryogenic fluid.