Compressed Gas Cylinders

Labeling Physical Condition Procurement Regulators Safety Shipping Storage Requirements Transport Toxic Gases

Due to their unique properties, gas cylinders require special handling and procurement procedures. This management practice describes how to handle, package, store, and ship gas cylinders properly on the University of Washington campus. This procedure is a general guideline and may not be applicable to all situations. Contact EH&S at 206.685.2848 for additional information or assistance.

Labeling

Any cylinder used on campus must be clearly labeled. The labeling must list contents, concentrations, hazard classifications, safety precautions and the manufacturer. Do not remove manufacturer applied labels.

Physical Condition

The cylinder must be in good condition with an operable valve or regulator. Cylinders without valves and regulators should be capped.

Procurement

As of January 6, 2009, all gas cylinders used on and off campus should be purchased or rented through the university's eProcurement Web site. This ensures the cylinders come from suppliers that have a return authorization program. See flyer for more information.

After an advertised competitive solicitation process and in consultation with several university departments, Praxair, Inc. has been awarded a university-wide contract to provide compressed and liquid (cryogenic) gases, replacing University Stores as the preferred vendor for these products.

Regulators

Pressure regulators lower the gas pressure to a useable level. There are two kinds of pressure regulator designs: Single and two stage. They appear similar. Single stage regulators are used when precise control of delivery pressure is not required. Two-stage regulators give precise control.

Keep regulators clean. Regulators used for oxidant gasses should especially be free of surface oil and grease.

Always use the proper regulator for the gas in the cylinder. Plaques and decals on the regulator indicate which gas the regulator is designed for.

Safety

Gas cylinders present two unique hazards:

1. Gases in cylinders are usually pressurized from 100 to 2,500 psig. A cylinder under pressure, if broken or punctured, can propel itself at great speeds. Even the smallest cylinder can cause serious injury and property damage. Cylinders should always be treated with great care.
   
2. Gases are often invisible and tasteless. However, some are very toxic, and some can form an explosive mixture with air. Treat these gases as chemicals; avoid exposures and prevent leaks. Some inert gases are heavier than air and can displace it. Release of a gas in a poorly ventilated room could cause asphyxiation.

Shipping

Pressurized gas cylinders are hazardous materials. You must be trained and certified to transport them on roads or ship them. See Shipping Hazardous Materials for more information. Any shipment of compressed gas cylinders from campus needs the following:

• A return authorization from the gas manufacturer
• Material Safety Data Sheet for the product being shipped
• Hazardous Material Shipping Paper
• Emergency Response Information for the product being shipped
• If shipping 2.3 Poison Gas cylinders, 2.3 Poison Gas Placards may be required for the transporter
• If shipping 2.3 Poison Gas cylinders, cylinder may need to be certified as shippable.
• Contact EH&S’s Hazardous Materials Shipping Coordinator for advise at 206.685.2848.
• Cylinders that meet DOT specifications, but that are packed in additional outer packaging, must have a notice attached reading "Inside container(s) comply with prescribed regulations." 49 CFR 173.306.

Storage Requirements

Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks must be stored in the upright position. There are two exceptions:

1. Containers designed for use in the horizontal position
2. Compressed gas containers with a water volume less than 5 litres are allowed to be stored in the horizontal position

Incompatible materials in storage must be segregated by one of the following methods:

• Keeping them a distance away of not less than 20 feet
• Using noncombustible partitions extending not less than 18 inches above and to the sides of the containers, cylinders, or tanks
• Using approved storage cabinets or exhausted enclosures

Securing of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks must be by one of the following methods:

• Secure with a bracket, chain, strap or other approved restraint to a fixed object such as a wall or bench. It is recommended that the cylinder be secured by two straps or chains located at 1/3 and 2/3 of the cylinder height above the floor, because cylinders secured by a single strap have been found to escape the strap during an earthquake.
• When being moved and when routine mobility is necessary, secure to a cart, hand truck or other mobile device designed for the movement of compressed gas containers, cylinders, or tanks
• Secured to or within a rack, framework, cabinet, or similar assembly designed for such use

Transport

Always cap a cylinder before you move it. Cylinders must always be transported using a hand truck or cart designed for that purpose. Safety glasses and closed toe shoes should be worn when handling cylinders.

Toxic Compressed Gases

The University of Washington Toxic Gas Program requires specific authorization to procure and specifies minimum requirements for safe storage, use, and handling of toxic gas. See our Campus Toxic Gas Program page for more information.