Compressed Gases: Essential Training Points

You just can’t be too careful with compressed gases. And when you have a high standard of care, you also need a high standard of training to ensure employee compliance with safety rules.

Basic Rules for Compressed Gases

Although specific precautions for using compressed gases safely vary depending on the gas, there are a number of essential rules that apply to all compressed gases:

•   Use cylinders only in well-ventilated areas.
•   Keep them away from heat and ignition sources.
•   Never smoke around compressed gas cylinders.
•   Make sure they are secured upright when in use.
•   Open valves slowly, making sure they are pointed away from you and co-workers.
•   Don’t try to force valves that won’t open.
•   Don’t tamper with safety devices.
•   Make sure that equipment is compatible with the cylinder pressure and contents.
•   Check all connections before use and periodically during use to make sure they are not leaking.
•   Keep valves closed when cylinders are not in use.
•   When a cylinder is empty, close the valve, disassemble equipment properly, replace the valve protection cap, mark the cylinder “empty” or “MT” and store it separately from full cylinders.

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Storage Requirements

OSHA is very specific about compressed gas storage requirements. While there is some variation depending on the gas, all must be stored:

•   In a dry, well-ventilated area
•   At least 20 feet from combustible materials, heat sources, or electrical wiring
•   Away from stairs and elevators
•   In locations where they are unlikely to be knocked over or banged
•   Secured upright by chain or cable
•   At least 20 feet from oxygen cylinders
•   With valves closed and valve protection caps screwed down
•   With the oldest cylinders placed so that they will be used first

The Right Moves

The potential for accidents increases when compressed gas cylinders are moved. When they must be moved, employees should take these precautions:

•   Move cylinders secured upright to a hand truck or other appropriate device.
•   Keep valve protection caps on when moving cylinders.
•   Don’t try to carry cylinders by hand; don’t roll them; don’t drag them.
•   Make sure not to bump, bang, or drop cylinders.
•   Keep them away from sparks, heat, fire, and electrical circuits while moving them.
•   Avoid handling cylinders with oily or greasy hands (oil or grease could react with the gas and start a fire, or slippery hands could lose their grip and result in a cylinder hitting the ground or another object).

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•   Quizzes, handouts, and copies of 27 different employee booklets, coordinated to the safety meetings. (Booklets can be bought in any quantity at a discount.)
•   A complete recordkeeping and tracking system that tells you which employees need what training, and then tracks your program to ensure they get it.
•   Quarterly updates included with the program. You receive at least       4 new safety units every 90 days, covering new or changed OSHA standards and training needs.

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