How is compressed gas released

The sudden release of these materials can create fire and explosion dangers, worker exposure to toxic or poisonous gases, or even asphyxiation suffocation danger if the released gas displaces room air. In order to use compressed gas cylinders safely, workers should insure that they have the necessary training and information on the proper storage, handling, usage and disposal of gas cylinders.

Workers should also read the Safety Data Sheet, SDS, on the chemical components of the gas cylinders to understand the chemical properties, required personal protective equipment, health hazards, appropriate first aid, and proper cleanup procedures.

Gas cylinders should be properly labeled with their contents. The contents should be stenciled on the cylinder or printed on a label. The color of a cylinder is not an indication of what material is in it because color coding is not standardized. Proper storage of gas cylinders is paramount to safety. Because unsecured cylinders can be easily knocked over, they should be secured to a stable object.

Cylinders should be stored in well-ventilated areas away from other incompatible materials, sources of flame or heat, or areas where they may receive damage. Empty and full cylinders should be stored separately. To prevent the main cylinder valve from being damaged or broken, the protective cap should be kept in place whenever the cylinder is not in use. Cylinders should not be dragged, carried, rolled, or slid across the floor. When transporting cylinders, ensure they are not able to bump into each other.

Flash-back can occur with flammable gases. Many flammable compressed gases are heavier than air. If a cylinder leaks in a poorly ventilated area, these gases can settle and collect in sewers, pits, trenches, basements or other low areas.

The gas trail can spread far from the cylinder. If the gas trail contacts an ignition source, the fire produced can flash back to the cylinder. Oxidizing gases include any gases containing oxygen at higher than atmospheric concentrations above percent , nitrogen oxides, and halogen gases such as chlorine and fluorine.

These gases can react rapidly and violently with combustible materials such as the following:. The normal oxygen content in air is 21 percent. At slightly higher oxygen concentrations, for example 25 percent, combustible materials, including clothing fabrics, ignite more easily and burn much faster.

Fires in atmospheres enriched with oxidizing gases are very hard to extinguish and can spread rapidly. Some pure compressed gases are chemically unstable.

If exposed to slight temperature or pressure increases, or mechanical shock, they can readily undergo certain types of chemical reactions such as polymerization or decomposition. These reactions may become violent, resulting in fire or explosion. Some dangerously reactive gases have other chemicals, called inhibitors, added to prevent these hazardous reactions.

Common dangerously reactive gases are acetylene, 1,3-butadiene, methyl acetylene, vinyl chloride, tetrafluoroethylene and vinyl fluoride.

Many compressed gases are toxic or very toxic. They could cause various health problems depending on the specific gas, its concentration, the length of exposure and the route of exposure inhalation, eye or skin contact.

Contact between the skin or eye and liquefied gases in liquid form can freeze the tissue and result in a burn-like injury. Inert gases, such as argon, helium, neon and nitrogen, are not toxic and do not burn or explode. Yet they can cause injury or death if they are present in sufficiently high concentrations.

They can displace enough air to reduce oxygen levels. If oxygen levels are low enough, people entering the area can lose consciousness or die from asphyxiation. Low oxygen levels can particularly be a problem in poorly ventilated, confined spaces. Some compressed gases are corrosive. They can burn and destroy body tissues on contact.

Corrosive gases can also attack and corrode metals. Common corrosive gases include ammonia, hydrogen chloride, chlorine and methylamine. Add a badge to your website or intranet so your workers can quickly find answers to their health and safety questions.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. Strap cylinders onto a hand truck if they must be transported even a short distance. The valve cover and caps must be in place whenever cylinders are moved.

Use service or freight elevators. Transport asphyxiants and poisonous gases using one of the following methods: a. Exclude people from the elevator by posting a sign on the cart carrying the cylinder. The sign should read Do Not Enter. Compressed Gas Transport. Buddy system: Transport the cylinder using two employees. One employee travels with the cylinder in the elevator while the second employee uses the stairs to meet the cylinder and transporter at the destination floor.

Flammable gas cylinders must have fusion plugs. Poisonous gases must have valves capped or plugged with approved closure devices.

No more than three cylinders can be kept or used inside a gas cabinet or chemical fume hood. Respirators may be necessary when working with poisonous gas.