Cylinder Handling Tips: The Five Dos and Don’ts
Gas cylinders are generally three to sixty litres in capacity and filled with compressed gas at 300 bar pressure. Cylinders are heavier than they seem, so they must be handled with care.
Do
- Keep an eye on your working environment and reduce any risks that could make it dangerous to handle a gas cylinder.
- Ensure you have the proper safety gear, like gloves and shoes.
- Take care when handling cylinders, and ensure you have a secure grip.
- Make sure gas cylinders are stored at a normal temperature.
- Gas cylinders should be clean, as should the valves. Use clean, well-maintained equipment when handling gas cylinders. Avoid contacting oil or grease with gas cylinders.
Don’t
- You should not handle gas cylinders if you are tired, physically impaired, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
- Always keep gas cylinders away from electrical equipment, welding equipment, glowing metal, and other heat sources. Never use a welding torch or other open flame on a gas cylinder.
- Do not use damaged cylinders or try to repair or paint them.
- You should never fill cylinders yourself. They are discharge vessels and require special equipment and expertise for filling.
- Do not change any information on the cylinder’s labels, body, or other parts.
The content for the above is based on Messer Groups’ Pocket Guide on Safe Handling of Cylinders (n.d.)