Serious accidents may result from the misuse, abuse or
mishandling of cylinders.
Cylinders must never be lifted by their valves since the
valves are not designed to take such stress and can break-off. When a cylinder is not in use, the valve
should be protected with the valve cap.
All valves must be fully closed before a cylinder is moved.
Unless a trolley or special carrier is used, regulators and
hoses should be detached from the cylinder.
If cylinders are to be lifted by a crane, specially designed
bottle holders with lifting eyes should be used.
Chain and wire rope slings can allow cylinders to slip. Where a trolley is to be used for slinging,
its base should be strong enough to take the weight of the cylinders.
Do not lift with an electromagnet. Cylinders in transit on vehicles should have
valve caps in place. Cylinders should be
upright and secured to avoid any violent contact which could weaken the
cylinder walls. Loading and unloading
should take place carefully, cylinders should not be dropped, thrown, dragged,
used as rollers or as a support. No
damaged or defective cylinders should be used.
When in doubt as to the proper handling of a compressed gas
cylinder or its contents, your Supervisor or the supplier should be consulted.
Empty
cylinders should be returned to the supplier with the valves closed and the
valve caps in place.
Cylinders, even those marked "empty" should be
treated as a potential hazard and handled with great care as they still contain
some gas.
Only soap-water should be used to check the valves for
leaks. Cylinders and valves should be kept clean and free from dirt, grease, oil
or oily water. Oil and grease react vigorously with oxygen which can cause the
cylinder to explode.
When blowing compressed gas to clear valves and sockets ensure you are not blowing onto people working around you.
·
Treat
every cylinder as “full” and handle carefully.
·
Always
use a carrier and secure the cylinder into it.
·
Always
secure acetylene cylinders in an upright position both in use and in storage.
·
Store
ALL cylinders so that they cannot
fall.
·
Keep
them away from sun, artificial heat, flammable materials, corrosive chemicals
and fumes.
·
Avoid
damage to valves and fittings. Do not
use them for lifting or carrying.
·
Keep
valves and fittings of oxygen cylinders free from oil and grease.
·
Open
cylinder valves slowly and close sufficiently to shut off gas - NEVER USE FORCE.
·
Always
lift cylinders from trucks - do not drop or slide them.
·
Keep
hose lines clear of traffic lanes.