???????????

TRADING

HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MANUAL

Compressed Gas Cylinders

PROJECT

Revision Log

Name Title Signature Date

Prepared By:

Reviewed By:

Approved By:
Title: Compressed Gas Cylinders

Table of Contents
1 PURPOSE .........................................................................................................................................................................3

2 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................................................................3

3 ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................................3

4 COMPANY INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................3

4.1 BASIC SAFETY RULES FOR COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS ..............................................................................................3

4.2 SAFE WAYS TO STORE COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS....................................................................................................3

4.3 SAFE WAYS TO USE COMPRESSED GASES ......................................................................................................................4

5 RELATED DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................................................................................5

6 FORMS ............................................................................................................................................................................5

7 NOTES AND ATTACHMENTS ...........................................................................................................................................5

Page 2 of 5
Printouts to be treated as uncontrolled.
Title: Compressed Gas Cylinders

1 Purpose

To define requirements related to the safe use of compressed gas cylinders on site.

2 Scope

??????????? TRADING PROJECT.

3 Abbreviations and Definitions

SABS – South African Bureau of Standards

4 Company Introduction

To establish minimum guidelines for the safe use, handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders.

4.1 Basic Safety Rules for Compressed Gas Cylinders

 Compressed gas cylinders shall be kept in an upright position and be secured in an approved
cart or a permanent object by a chain or #9 wire to prevent displacement. Natural fiber and/or
synthetic rope should not be used due to possible reaction of some environments.

 When cylinders are not in use for extended periods, or when being transported or hoisted by
motorized equipment, the regulators shall be removed and valve protection caps firmly secured
on the cylinders.

 Cylinders shall not be hoisted by wrapping slings or chokers around them; they shall be secured
in an approved rack or cylinder truck.

 Cylinders shall not be placed where they may be exposed to an electrical arc or sparks, slag,
flame, or other heat sources.

 Keep cylinders on the outside of buildings and closed structures where possible. Except for
shops, cylinders should be set outside of buildings overnight. Smooth, hard surfaces should be
provided where possible when setting cylinders outside of buildings.

 Valves should be closed tightly when the cylinders are not in use.

 Never drop or bang cylinders together. Never use them as a roller for heavy equipment.

 Electrodes shall not be struck against a cylinder to strike an arc.

 Do not weld or burn above fuel gas cylinders.

 For short distances, roll cylinder on bottom edge – never allow an impact.

4.2 Safe Ways to Store Compressed Gas Cylinders

 Accept only cylinders that meet SABS Code and that they have a valve protection cap.

Page 3 of 5
Printouts to be treated as uncontrolled.
Title: Compressed Gas Cylinders

 Oxygen and fuel gas cylinders in storage shall be separated by at least 6meters or by a
1.5meters high fire wall with a one-half fire resistance rating. When gauges are removed,
bottles are considered to be in storage and must be separated or a firewall installed.

 Storage area shall be clearly identified as to the content of the cylinders and whether empty of
full.

 Cylinders shall always be stored upright in well ventilated areas. They shall be chained or
otherwise secured with a non-combustible material.

 Do not store cylinders of flammable gases near highly flammable substances. Storage areas
shall be kept free of weeds, debris and other combustible materials.

 Do not store cylinders within 15meters of an occupied structure.

 Always get help when lifting cylinders. Fork trucks should be used with “VGL” size cylinders.

 Post signs indicating “NO SMOKING AREA”, “FLAMMABLE GAS”

 Fire extinguishers must be located no closer than 7.6meters and not further than 23meters
from cylinder storage area.

4.3 Safe Ways to Use Compressed Gases

 Make sure that threads of the regulator fit those of the cylinder. Do not force mismatched
connections.

 Before installing the regulator, “crack” the cylinder valve for an instant to clear out any dust or
dirt. Valve should always face away from personnel.

 NOTE: This does not apply to HYDROGEN cylinders.

 Open cylinder slowly. Always use the pressure reducing regulator. Use regulators for specified
gases only.

 Never use organic greases as lubricants for valves used with oxygen cylinders.

 Never use compressed oxygen as a substitute for compressed air.

 Visually inspect all hoses before each use. Hose splices and repairs shall be made with approved
splicing kits and fitting. Only qualified employees are permitted to make repairs.

 Hoses shall not be placed where they become a tripping hazard, run over by vehicle traffic, or
crushed in doorways.

 Hoses shall not be stored in unventilated areas, such as gang boxes or cabinets.

 Regulators shall have approved and functional gauges on both the low and high side.

Page 4 of 5
Printouts to be treated as uncontrolled.
Title: Compressed Gas Cylinders

 Torches shall be lighted only with approved friction-type lighters.

 A serviceable fire extinguisher (or other protection) must be placed within 7.6meters of all hot
work.

5 Related Documents

Document Ref. Document Title

EHS Management Plan ??????????? TRADING PROJECT

6 Forms

Form No. Form Title Rev No.

N/A

7 Notes and Attachments

None

Page 5 of 5
Printouts to be treated as uncontrolled.