TSP 706 Compressed Gas Cylinders Assessment

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General Requirements of Compressed Gas Cylinders (Section 1)

Are portable cylinders used for storage and shipment of compressed gas properly constructed and maintained? Explanation: Constructed and maintained in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Dep. of Transportation, 49 CFR Parts 171-179
Are compressed gas cylinders equipped with connections complying with the American National Standard Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections, ANSI B57.1-1965?
Is the contents of gas cylinders clearly identified? Explanation: Identification can be by means of: Stenciling; Stamping; or Labeling Labeling is to consist of either the chemical name or trade name of the gas and cannot be easily removed. Color coding is not a reliable means of identification.
Do cylinders have a legibly written, stamped, or stenciled identification? Explanation: Cylinders which do not bear a legibly written, stamped, or stenciled identification of the contents should not be used: they should be segregated and returned to the vendor as soon as possible.
Are caps in place when the cylinder is not in use? Explanation: Caps used for valve protection should be securely kept on the cylinder except when the cylinder is in use.
Are compressed gas cylinders inspected for serviceability? Explanation: Properly dispose of all unserviceable cylinders.
Are cylinders placed so that they will not come into contact with an electrically energized system?
Is the “Snoop” process used to ensure there are no leaks in the gas transport system? Explanation: Snoop process involves soapy water or leak detection equipment.
Are pressure regulators equipped with pressure relief valves?

Using Compressed Gases (Section 2)

Is label information and data sheets associated with the use of a particular gas available? Explanation: Before using the gas, read all label information and the data sheets associated with the use of that particular gas.
Do the threads on the cylinder and the connection properly mate and are they of a type intended for the specific gas service?
Is the proper regulator available for the gas in the cylinder? Explanation: Always use the proper regulator for the gas in the cylinder.
When the regulator is attached is the secondary valve closed and the regulator flow backed off (counter clockwise) before opening the cylinder valve wide?
Is a cylinder wrench or other tightly fitting wrench available? Explanation: Always use a cylinder wrench or other tightly fitting wrench to tighten the regulator nut and tube connections.
Is Teflon tape used? Explanation: Teflon tape should never be used on cylinder connections or tube-fitting connections.
Are cylinder valves opened slowly? Explanation: Open cylinder valves SLOWLY. Point the valve opening away from yourself and other persons. Never use a wrench or hammer to open or close a hand wheel type cylinder valve. If the valve is frozen and cannot be operated by hand, return the cylinder to the vendor.
Prior to removing the regulator from the cylinder is the cylinder valve closed and all pressure released?

Operating Procedures for Compressed Gas (Section 3)

Are cylinders, cylinder valves, couplings, regulators, hose, and apparatus kept free from oily or greasy substances especially cylinders containing oxidizing gases? Explanation: Oxygen cylinders or apparatus shall not be handled with oily hands or gloves.
Is a suitable platform used when transporting cylinders by a crane or derrick, a cradle, or boat? Explanation: Slings or electric magnets are not to be used for transportation.
Are compressed gas cylinders properly lifted from one vertical position to another? Explanation: Valve-protection caps shall not be used for lifting cylinders from one vertical position to another. Bars shall not be used under valves or valve-protection caps to pry cylinders loose when frozen to the ground or otherwise fixed; the use of warm (not boiling) water is recommended. Valve-protection caps are designed to protect cylinder valves from damage.
Are regulators removed and valve protection put in place prior to transportation? Explanation: Unless secured to a special truck regulators are to be removed and valve protection replaced.
Are keys, handles, or nonadjustable wrenches available on valve stems of in service cylinders that do not have fixed hand wheels? Explanation: In multiple cylinder installation only one key or wrench is required for each manifold.
Are valves of empty cylinders closed?
Are cylinders kept away from welding or cutting operations? Explanation: This decreases the risk of sparks, hot slag, or fames from reaching them. If distance is not an option fire-resistant shields are to be provided.
Are cylinders kept away from equipment, piping systems etc. that may be used for grounding of electric circuits such as arc welding machines? Explanation: Any practice such as tapping of an electrode against a cylinder to strike an arc is prohibited.
Is only the gas supplier allowed to mix gases in a cylinder? Explanation: No person, other than the gas supplier, shall attempt to mix gases in a cylinder. No one, except the owner of the cylinder or authorized agent shall refill a cylinder.
Is oxygen (unless connected to a manifold) not used without first attaching an oxygen regulator? Explanation: Unless connected to a manifold, oxygen from a cylinder shall not be used without first attaching an oxygen regulator to the cylinder valve. Before connecting the regulator to the cylinder valve, the valve should be opened slightly for an instant and then closed. Always stand to one side of the outlet when opening the cylinder valve.
Are fuel-gas cylinders placed valve end up whenever in use? Explanation: Liquefied gases are to be stored and shipped with the valve end up.
Prior to connecting a regulator is the cylinder valve opened slightly and closed immediately? Explanation: The valve shall be opened while standing to one side of the outlet; never in front of it. Never crack a fuel-gas cylinder valve near other welding work or near sparks, flame, or other possible sources of ignition.
Is fuel gas used from cylinders? Explanation: Fuel-gas shall never be used from cylinders through torches or other devices equipped with shutoff valves without reducing the pressure through a suitable regulator attached to the cylinder valve or manifold.

Leaking Cylinders (Section 4)

When cylinders are found to have leaky valves are they removed and taken outdoors? Explanation: If cylinders are found to have leaky valves which cannot be stopped by closing of the valve, the cylinders shall be taken outdoors away from sources of ignition and your supervisor notified.
Is a warning placed near cylinders that have leaking fuse plugs or other leaking safety devices? Explanation: A warning should be placed near cylinders having leaking fuse plugs or other leaking safety devices, not to approach them with a lighted cigarette or other source of ignition. Such cylinders should be plainly tagged; the supplier should be promptly notified and his instructions followed as to their return.
Is the vendor contacted when a cylinder or valve is noticeably corroded? Explanation: Any other damage that might impair the integrity of the cylinder should be called to the attention of the vendor before the cylinder is returned.
Is it an accepted practice to transfer compressed gases from one commercial cylinder to another? Explanation: Transfer of compressed gases from one commercial cylinder to another is NOT permitted.

Storing Cylinders (Section 5)

Are cylinder storage areas prominently marked with hazard class or name of the gas stored? Explanation: Flammable Gas Storage Area, and "No Smoking" signs posted
Are cylinders stored upright to a wall cylinder hand truck, cylinder rack or post unless designed to be stored otherwise?
Are cylinders secured with straps, chains, wire, or nylon rope? Explanation: Secured to prevent cylinders from being knocked over. Cylinders are to be secured around the body of the cylinder and not the neck or valve.
Are cylinders grouped by type? Explanation: Type: Flammable Oxidizer Corrosive Inert gases can be stored with any other type of gas.
Are full cylinders stored separately from empty cylinders? Explanation: Cylinders should be used by the “first in, first out” guidelines.
Are cylinders stored in a well-ventilated area away from sparks, flames or other source of heat or ignition? Explanation: Cylinders may be stored outside on a slab, however, where extreme temperatures prevail; cylinders should be stored so that they are protected from the direct rays of the sun. Do not expose cylinders to temperatures above 125 degrees F.
Are cylinders containing corrosive chemicals periodically checked to ensure the valve has not corroded? Explanation: Cylinders should not be exposed to continuous dampness, stored near corrosive chemicals or fumes. Corrosion may damage cylinders and cause their valve protection caps to stick.
Are cylinders stored in elevator lobbies, stair towers, or any location which could obstruct the exit? Explanation: Never store cylinders in elevator lobbies, stair towers or any other location which could obstruct the safe exit pathway of the building occupants.
Are empty cylinders marked empty by labeling the cylinder, the rack or storage area?
Are valves closed and cylinder caps installed hand tight? Explanation: Ensure cylinders are stored upright.
Are cylinders separated by type? Explanation: Type: Oxygen; Acetylene; Argon; Nitrogen
Are empty cylinders stored in a separate by from full cylinders?
Are oxygen cylinders and fuel gas cylinders stored in bays separated by 20 feet or 30-minute fire wall at least five (5) feet high?
Are valve protection caps in place and hand-tight except when cylinders are in use or connected for use?

Special Precautions for Using Oxygen and Oxidizing Gases (Section 6)

Are regulators and tubing used with oxidizing gases specially cleaned to remove oil and other reducing agents? Explanation: Do not permit oil or grease to come in contact with cylinders or their valves, especially cylinders containing oxidizing gases. Explosions may occur when pressurized oxidizers, e.g., oxygen, come into contact with grease or oil.
Are oxidizing gases properly stored? Explanation: Do not store oxidizing gases near flammable solvents, combustible materials or near unprotected electrical connections, gas flames or other sources of ignition. Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored near highly combustible material, especially oil and grease; or near reserve stocks of carbide and acetylene or other fuel-gas cylinders, or near any other substance likely to cause or accelerate fire; or in an acetylene generator compartment.
When stored outside a generator house are oxygen cylinders separated from the generator or carbide storage rooms? Explanation: Separation must be by a noncombustible partition having a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour. Partition is to be without openings and gastight.

Special Precautions for Using Flammable Gases (Section 7)

If a special wrench is required is it left in position on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use? Explanation: Leaving the wrench in place allows for the quick closer of the fuel-gas flow in the event of an emergency. In the case of manifolded or coupled cylinders at least one such wrench shall always be available for immediate use.
Are acetylene cylinders used at pressures greater than 15 pounds per square inch? Explanation: An acetylene cylinder valve shall not be opened more than one and one-half turns of the spindle, and preferably no more than three-fourths of a turn. Acetylene cylinders should not be used at pressures greater than 15 pounds per square inch.
Are flammable gases properly stored? Explanation: Do not store flammable or oxidizing gases near highly flammable solvents, combustible materials or near unprotected electrical connections, gas flames or any other source of ignition. It is preferable to store flammable gases in a ventilated, fire resistant enclosure, e.g., an approved gas cabinet.
Are flow restrictors and surge protectors sued on flammable gas cylinders? Explanation: It is mandatory to use flow restrictors and surge protectors on flammable gas cylinders so that there cannot be a sudden large flow of gas if a rupture or other unexpected release happens in the system.
Is inside storage of fuel-gas cylinders limited? Explanation: Except those in use or attached ready for use, storage is limited to a total gas capacity of 2,000 cubic feet or 300 pounds of liquefied petroleum gas.
Are oxygen and acetylene lines equipped with combination check valve/flash back arrestors? Explanation: The combination check valve/flash back arrestor is clearly labeled and shall be installed at the base of the torch. A second combination check valve/flash back arrestor may be installed at the regulator but is not required. Combination check valve/flash back arrestors are to be Underwriters™ Laboratories (U.L.) Listed.