901 Oil and Gas Hazard Awareness

Compressed Gas and Equipment

Special storage, use, and handling precautions are necessary in order to control these hazards.

Gas cylinders should be stored in upright positions and immobilized by chains or other means to prevent them from being knocked over. Other important precautions to take include:

• Store cylinders away from incompatibles, excessive heat, continuous dampness, salt or other corrosive chemicals, and any areas that may subject them to damage.
• Post the names of the gases stored in the cylinders in storage areas.
• Make sure all compressed gas cylinders have safety pressure relief valves.
• Maintain cylinders at temperatures below 125 deg. F.
• Ensure flames never come in contact with any part of a compressed gas cylinder.
• Protect the bottom of the cylinder from the ground to prevent rusting.
• Inspect compressed gas cylinders for corrosion, pitting, cuts, gouges, digs, bulges, neck defects and general distortion.
• Ensure cylinder valves are closed at all times, except when the valve is in use.
• Move compressed gas cylinders, even short distances, using a suitable hand truck. They must never be dragged across the floor.
• Never use wrenches or other tools for opening and closing valves.
• Never hammer on valve wheels to open them. For valves that are hard to open, contact the supplier for instruction.
• Use suitable pressure regulating devices.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.