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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.
Highly toxic (poison) gases require special engineering and
administrative control and a permit from the Seattle Fire Department.
Prior to purchasing a highly toxic gas consult with EH&S Building and Fire Safety Office
at 206.616.5519.
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.
The cylinder must be in good condition with an operable valve or regulator. Cylinders without valves and regulators should be capped.
All gas cylinders used on and off campus should be purchased or rented through the university's contract vendor, Praxair, Inc. (800.624.7033). This ensures the cylinders come from suppliers that have a
return authorization program.
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.
Praxair Contract and Order Information
| Contract Term |
10/19/2007 - 10/18/2012, with a possible 5-year extension |
| Contract Products |
Praxair's entire product line |
| Vendor Contacts |
Call 800.624.7033, or email uw_orders@praxair.com
Area Sales Rep: Dan Mackenstadt, 206.632.7138
Account Set-up: Jennifer Clagget, 253.620.1651 |
| How to Order |
Orders can be phoned, faxed or emailed, or placed online at Praxair's Web site. UW eProcurement is coming soon. |
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.
Gas cylinders present two unique hazards:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Secure cylinders to a floor stand or wall bench bracket with sturdy straps or chains. Do not store or use cylinders on hand trucks or carts.
Cylinders must be secured to a structural element such as a wall or bench at two places. During earthquakes, cylinders secured only at one point may work themselves free.
Cylinders must be stored in an organized, ventilated, well-lit place away from combustible materials. The cylinders must be protected from excessive heat, open flame and ignition sources. Storage outside should be above grade, dry and protected from weather. Incompatible gases should be segregated.
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.
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