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Loss Prevention Bulletins

Working safely with compressed gasses

Compressed gases are dangerous because they are stored in cylinders and tanks under high pressure and because they can be flammable, poisonous, corrosive - or even all three at once!

Flammable compressed gases are prone to explode if handled roughly or if exposed to heat. They may also flash back if vapors travel to a source of ignition.

The chief danger of poisonous or corrosive gases is exposure, which can result in dizziness, unconsciousness, suffocation and burns to skin and eyes.

Even a non-flammable compressed gas can explode if handled roughly or exposed to heat, resulting in internal injuries if the released gas pressure hits the body directly. This might happen if an employee opens a valve with the nozzle pointed at himself instead of away from his body.

Always keep in mind the following basic safety rules when handling compressed gases:

Check the identity of the gas before handling a container. Read the name on labels, cylinder marking, or bills of lading. Don’t rely on just the color or shape of the cylinder!

Any container without a legible, written identification of the contents should not be used.

Examine compressed gas cylinders as soon as they’re received. If there are signs of damage or leakage, move them to a safe, isolated area and return them to the supplier as soon as possible.

Don’t drop or bang cylinders against each other. Don’t allow anything to fall on them.

Check hoses and connections. Be sure they’re clean, in good condition, leak-free and tightened properly.

Except when the cylinder is in use, keep the steel protective cap on over the valve and screw it down to the last thread.

Danger signs

You should always be on the lookout for certain danger signs when handling compressed gases. These include:

Leaking, open or defective containers.
Severely corroded containers or valves.
Dents, holes, cracks, fire burns or other signs of deterioration.
Odors that may indicate leaking chemicals.
Contamination - signs that a foreign substance might have entered the valve or container.
Hoses showing leaks, burns, or worn spots.

If any of these conditions are found, remove the cylinder from service immediately, isolate it in a safe location and consult your supplier. Cylinders should be stored in a safe, dry, well-ventilated area that is clean and free of combustible materials. They should not be stored where they can be knocked down or damaged.

On the move

General guidelines when moving cylinders include:

Fasten them securely in as near an upright position as possible on special hand trucks, and never roll, drag or slide them into place. Never use cylinders as rollers or supports.

Don’t lift cylinders by their caps unless you’re using a hand truck designed for this purpose, and don’t use magnets to lift cylinders.

Don’t force connections - make sure they match properly and are not cross-threaded.

Don’t drive a vehicle hauling liquefied hydrogen through a tunnel (it’s usually illegal anyway), and don’t ever smoke or allow others to smoke in the vicinity of compressed gas containers or vehicles!

(Reprinted with permission from Safety-Kleen Corp.’s Total Compliance Newsletter)

This bulletin in pdf format:

LC-048G 07/07 © 2007 Zurich American Insurance Company

If you have any questions or comments, contact your Zurich Account Executive or the Loss Prevention Department at 800-821-7803.

This Loss Prevention Bulletin is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult with qualified legal counsel to address your particular circumstances and needs. Zurich is not providing legal advice and assumes no liability concerning the information set forth above.

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