ordering or moving compressed gas cylinders to a laboratory
or laboratory support space it is important to ensure the following
facilities requirements, engineering controls, and management
practices are in place:
- All compressed gases, except oxygen, may present an asphyxiation
hazard during an unexpected or uncontrolled release. Therefore,
proper ventilation and, if needed, monitoring must be in place
before compressed gas cylinders are used.
- all cylinders must be stored in a well ventilated area.
- all cylinders of the following gases shall be kept in a
continuously mechanically ventilated hood or other continuously
mechanically ventilated enclosure:
gases that have Health Hazard Ratings of 3 or 4.
gases that have a Health Hazard rating 2 without physiological
- Total quantities on site should be limited to the foreseeable
- Containers, when stored inside, shall not be located near
exits, stairways, or in areas normally used or intended to be
used for the safe exit of people. A second means of access to
an exit shall be provided from a laboratory work area if any
of the following situations exist:
- A compressed
gas cylinder is in use and is larger than lecture bottle size.
- A cylinder
is in use that contains a gas that is flammable or has an
NFPA health hazard rating of 3 or 4.
position of the cylinder may prevent safe egress in the event
of an accidental release of the container contents.
Areas and Security
- Containers in public areas should be protected against tampering.
- Where gases of different classes are stored at the same location,
containers should be grouped, by types of gas, and compatibility.
Full and empty containers should be stored separately with the
storage layout so planned that containers comprising old stock
can be removed first with a minimum handling of other containers.
The best way to ensure that you understand all of the hazards
associated with the materials you are using, including compatibility,
is to read the Material
Safety Data Sheet.
- Containers should not be exposed to continuous dampness and
should not be stored near salt or other corrosive chemicals
or fumes. Corrosion may damage the containers and may cause
the valve protection caps to rust or stick.
Damage - Containers shall be protected from any object
that will produce a harmful cut or other abrasion in the surface
of the metal. Containers shall not be stored near elevators,
gangways, and unprotected platform edges or in locations where
heavy moving objects may strike or fall on them.