If your business works with compressed gases, you’ll know that the safe storage, handling, and maintenance of gas cylinders is critically important. Misuse of these cylinders is a serious safety risk. In this article, we’re looking at tips for proper compressed gas cylinder handling and maintenance.  

Why are gas cylinders a potential hazard? 

Because of the highly pressurized nature of compressed gas cylinders, as well as the different chemical makeups of the gases they contain, these containers come with some risks, including: 

• Oxygen displacement 
• Fire and explosions 
• Toxic gas exposure 
• Projectile potential 

These dangers are why it’s important to store, handle, and maintain cylinders with care. Improper conditions can lead to damage, injury, and even death. So, what are the some of the best safety tips? 

Gas cylinder handling tips. 

When you or your staff are handling gas cylinders, keep the following best practices in mind: 

• Use the smallest reasonable cylinder size for the job at hand. 
• Avoid rough handling, dropping, and banging cylinders together.  
• Never compromise the valves or other safety devices.  
• Always ensure staff are wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Use a proper cart or stand to transport cylinders, rather than rolling them on the ground. 

Cylinder storage tips. 

Likewise, even when you’re not actively using the compressed gas cylinders, the way they’re stored is critically important. Best practices include: 

• Ensure all cylinders are properly identified. 
• Always store cylinders upright.  
• Do not keep cylinders longer than your vendor recommends. 
• Do not store cylinders near combustible waste or other materials. 
• Store cylinders away from the sun, flames, sparks, and areas that reach or exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Be aware if you have cylinders that are best stored behind firewalls.  
• Never store or rest anything on top of a cylinder.  
• Store any oxygen cylinders at least 20 feet from fuel gas cylinders. 

Cylinder maintenance tips. 

When it comes to refills and cylinder maintenance, like refills, proper care is also important. Best practices include: 

• Only get refills from specialists affiliated with your provider.  
• Always follow the proper procedure for assembling and disassembling cylinders. 
• If there is ever a leak or any damage to one of your cylinders, label it to warn others, and immediately notify your supplier.  

Employee training is a priority. 

While some of this may seem like common sense, assuming what employees will or will not consider isn’t worth the risk. For any employees working with or around compressed gas cylinders, providing extensive and regular training is the best way to avoid disaster.  

In conclusion… 

When working with compressed gas, safety is of the utmost importance. These storage, handling, and maintenance tips are best practices to protect you, your employees, and your business.