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High-pressure gas cylinders are a necessity for many industrial and laboratory processes. But due to their physical characteristics, they represent a significant hazard in the workplace.
Accidents can be easily contained or avoided when companies properly implement safety equipment. The two most common oversights that violate OSHA regulations are the improper storage of pressurized gas canisters and the failure to install and properly use valve caps. Storage concerns creep up often because environmental changes and simple lapses of judgment can lead to major problems. The damage caused by storage mistakes can range from the deterioration of a canister's sensitive contents to the explosive effect of propelling a pressurized gas canister though the air with enough force to crush concrete.
Gas leaks due to improper handling, equipment failure or corrosion can be a common occurrence in a laboratory or laboratory setting. When poisonous, corrosive or flammable gases are in use, the following specialized gas cylinder handling equipment should be used to protect against personal injury:
Gas Cylinder Racks & Separators
Being tall and narrow, a full-sized cylinder has a very small footprint, making it unstable when standing on its own and thus, easy to be accidentally knocked over. A heavy steel or aluminum cylinder crashing to the floor can easily result in personal injury. Beyond this, however, a cylinder's valve can be sheared off causing sudden and rapid decompression of the gas inside the cylinder. Obviously this scenario greatly increases the likelihood of personal injury and even death.
Federal and local OSHA, building and fire codes therefore require that all high-pressure cylinders be restrained using chains or other types of fasteners such as bunch, floor and wall clamps. This applies to cylinders in storage as well. Cylinder racks and separators provide a safe and convenient way to organize gas cylinders in storage.
Gas Cabinets
When choosing a gas cabinet, be sure to select one that meets Uniform Fire and Building Codes, OSHA, NFPA and Semi Standards. Select a model that meets these requirements and is designed to connect to a local gas control system to maximize safety.
Other helpful safety features to look for include a one-hour fire rated wire-reinforced window, louvered door panel for positive air flow, rugged diamond deck floors, adjustable cylinder brackets and a sprinkler head for added protection in the event of a fire.
Exhaust Systems
If poisonous gases are to be kept in a cabinet, an access window should be provided so the cylinder valve(s) can be closed and leaks detected without opening the cabinet door and fully compromising the exhaust/containment system. Generally, cabinet exhaust systems should be designed with the capability to allow 150 to 200 linear feet (45.7 to 61 linear meters) per minute of air to pass through the cabinet with access window open. This equates to 13 air exchanges per minute. It is important to select a specialty gas exhaust system that meets or exceeds all applicable safety codes.
Cylinder Valve Outlets & Connections
The Compressed Gas Association specifies numbered cylinder valve outlet connections (CGAs) for specific gas services based on safety considerations. If the middle digit of a CGA is a zero or even number, it has right-handed threads and must be turned clockwise to tighten the fitting. If the middle digit is an odd number, then the threads are left-handed and must be turned counterclockwise to tighten the fitting. Turning a fitting in the wrong direction can damage the threads and result in a leaky connection.
The implementation of proper safety measures and equipment can minimize work delays, equipment damage, noncompliance costs, and human injuries. It's a wise business move for a company to invest in preventative measures during the use of gas handling equipment. Gambling with workplace safety is a risk that never pays.
About the Author
R.L. Fielding has been a freelance writer for 10 years, offering her expertise and skills to a variety of major organizations in the education, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing industries.
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About Air Liquide America Specialty Gases
Air Liquide America Specialty Gases (formerly, Scott Specialty Gases) is known as the leading international producer and supplier of pure and mixed specialty gases for all types of applications as well as the world's largest producer of EPA protocol gases. Air Liquide America Specialty Gases is respected and trusted not only for its pures and mixtures, but for its high-performance gas handling equipment and specialty gas delivery and monitoring systems. More information on the company and its products can be found at http://www.scottgas.com.
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