Compressed Gases in Labs
Safety considerations regarding:
Selecting/ Receiving gases
Handling cylinders
Use & Storage
Regulations for Compressed Gas Use
& Storage
Compressed gas use & storage are
regulated by different
organizations.
– Provincial Fire Code
– Occupational Safety & Health
Administration
– City of Calgary Fire
Department
Characteristics of Gases
Gases are much lighter than liquids & solids.
The molecules of a gas are always in motion.
Escaped gases will eventually distribute themselves throughout the air in a
room or other confined space.
Some gases have odors, some do not.
Most gases are invisible, some can be seen.
All gases have some property that can be hazardous to you.
Types of Gases
Non-liquefied Compressed Gases – Nitrogen, Argon, Helium,
Oxygen, Hydrogen
Liquefied Compressed Gases-Chlorine, Hydrogen chloride, Carbon
Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, Dichlorosilane, Hydrogen Bromide
Compressed Gases in a Solution-Acetylene
Cryogenic Liquefied Gases-Nitrogen, Argon, Helium, Oxygen,
Hydrogen
Potential Hazards
• High Pressure
• Asphyxiation
• Flammability
• Explosion
• Toxicity
• Corrosion
• Oxidation
• Pyrophoric
• Cryogenic
Purchasing/
Receiving Gases
REDUCE YOUR RISKS!
• Select the lowest concentration of
hazardous gas that will allow you to
perform your experiment.
• Purchase the smallest quantities to satisfy
your research needs.
• Select only gases that are delivered in
returnable containers
• When receiving gas cylinders:
– Check for leaks
– Visually inspect for damage
– Ensure valve cover and shipping cap
are properly in place.
– Check that cylinder is properly labeled
Your Duty
• Consider Gas generators: If extremely hi volumes of a
particular gas is used on a semi-permanent basis, this eqpt.
can help eliminate risks assoc. with cylinder changeouts.
• Smaller containers to avoid long storage time of gas
cylinders. You should only purchase enough to use in 2
months. Less items stored = less risk
• Use returnable containers to reduce waste. Minimize
purchase of lecture bottles. Very costly to dispose of.
• Proper labeling: Do not accept cylinders that are not IDed
by name. Cannot rely on color coding.
Cylinder Story
Cylinders come in different sizes, shapes and colors
Remember the gas supplier must label the cylinder with the contents
Check the label before you accept, move or use the cylinder.
Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders
• Before handling, make sure that valve cap is
secured
• Transport gas cylinders using only a suitable cart
• Always take the safest most direct route when
transporting gas cylinders
Never leave un-restrained cylinders un-attended
Safe Storage of Compressed Gas
Cylinders
Only store cylinders in authorized locations.
Separation of incompatibles (check SU storage group
information)
Restricted access to compressed gas cylinder storage.
Store away from main building access/ egress points
Safe Storage of Compressed Gases
• Attach valve cap when a gas cylinder is not in
service
• Cylinders must be stored upright
• Metal restraints at 1/3 AND 2/3 height of cylinder
• Max of 2 gas cylinders per set of chains
Cylinder bench clamps
are NOT allowed
Safe Use of Compressed Gases
• DO NOT tamper with the stem and cylinder valves
• NEVER use damaged regulators, connectors, piping, etc.
• For cylinders in use, cylinder valves must have hand wheel
attached
• Close cylinder valve whenever:
– work is finished
– cylinder is empty
• Label empty cylinders
• Ensure safe & proper exhaust for purging & pressure relief
for toxic, flammable, or corrosive gases
Additional Precautions
Some gases require special permits and controls for use. These are
toxic, corrosive, flammable and pyrophoric gases. Check
with EH&S during the design of the experiment in order to
understand the permitting and engineering control requirements.
Research Experiments and Systems
• Label all gas lines
• Remember to check safety devices (check valves, flow
restrictors, pressure gauges, regulators)
• Select proper construction materials
• Leak test system before start-up & at cylinder changes
• Check for proper exhaust ventilation for the lab and
apparatus prior to opening gas cylinders
Emergency
Procedures
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
– Bottom line….Not only are they a good idea,
they are required!
• BE PREPARED!
– Know your emergency procedures
– Know your emergency contacts
– Know what to do “if” the unexpected happens
For More Information
• Always review the Current Legislation
• Federal and Provincial Dangerous Good
Laws
• And the Supplier MSDS sheets ( Material
Safety Data Sheets)
• Company Safety Manual and SOP’s/JSA