Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders PDF

Unit A-4 • Introduction to Plant and Fire Safety OBJECTIVE 3 Describe the safe handling and use of gas cylinders in an energy plant (power plant). Gas cylinders are regulated by Transport Canada. In many installations requiring gases for fuel or operations, many or all of the gases are delivered...

Unit A-4 • Introduction to Plant and Fire Safety OBJECTIVE 3 Describe the safe handling and use of gas cylinders in an energy plant (power plant). Gas cylinders are regulated by Transport Canada. In many installations requiring gases for fuel or operations, many or all of the gases are delivered to the workplace in containers called cylinders. These cylinders are small, easy to transport pressure vessels. In the interest of safety, it is important that workers be properly trained in the safe practices for handling and storing these cylinders. This objective covers the standards and rules for handling and storing gases contained in portable cylinders. Compliance with these standards will help to reduce the number of accidents in the workplace. It is advisable that employees working with gas cylinders be aware at all times of the type and density of gases contained in the cylinders. For example, the worker should know whether the contents are liquid or vapour state, the vapour pressure, and other related details. SAFE HANDLING OF CYLINDERS The following are suggested general guidelines only. Please be sure to follow site specific policies, procedures, and training requirements. Consult local jurisdictional regulatory requirements regarding the safe handling, storage, care, and use of gas cylinders. Below are some rules for the safe handling of compress gas cylinders (Figure 1). a) Do not drop a cylinder. The cylinders are not fragile; however, a fall from a height could easily damage the valve, and could turn the cylinder into a rocket-like projectile. A cylinder containing flammable gas or liquid could also blow up, especially if it ignites. b) Do not "roll" a cylinder on its bottom edge. This is a risky practice, due to the weight of the cylinder. The cylinder could slip and fall. Always use a dolly, a hand truck, or other wheeled carrier. A delivery vehicle for cylinders usually has some kind of hoist or hydraulic gate to lower cylinders to the ground. c) Keep the metal cap on (if it has one) when moving or storing the cylinder- this protects the valve. Note that some cylinders have a guard ring around the valve instead of a metal cap. d) Keep the cylinder upright. There is a safety valve at the top of the cylinder designed to relieve excess vapour pressure. The safety valve is designed to relieve vapour, not liquid. If the tank was stored on its side, the safety valve would be flooded with liquid, and incapable of relieving pressure. 3-8 / :S _ 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A Handling of Dangerous Materials • Chapter 3 ======================== == ====== CARE AND MAINTENANCE a) Routinely inspect tanks and cylinders for damage such as nicks, scrapes, or dents, especially when receiving them. b) If the operator suspects a cylinder or tank is damaged, it must be taken out of service, and returned to the supplier. It may need to be disposed of. c) Store the tanks properly in an outside storage area. Ensure that empty tanks and full tanks are stored in separate areas. Storage Procedures Locating and storing gas cylinders is as important as handling and moving them. Cylinders should be located outside of the building when connected to gas consuming equipment, or for storage. However, where outside location is impractical, cylinders may be located for use (but not for storage) inside a building. In this type of installation, the gas is only to be used for industrial processing or repair work, and the building has to be of an industrial nature. When stored, gas cylinders must be in an upright position and firmly secured to prevent rolling over. Acetylene and oxygen cylinders must be stored in separate areas. They must be stored at least 6 metres apart to prevent explosive mixtures forming in the event of leakage. Before storing cylinders, make sure all hoses, piping, pressure regulators, gauges, manifold connections, and fittings are disconnected from the cylinders. Verify that the valves are closed and not lealdng. 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A 39