Cylinder handling and storage

• Make sure the cylinder is equipped with the correct regulator and end connectors with appropriate pressure ratings.
• Inspect the regulator and cylinder valves for grease, oil, dirt, and solvent. Never use grease or oil to lubricate regulators or cylinder valves as this will contaminate the gas.
• Open (Anti clockwise looking down at the hand wheel, directional arrows are on the hand wheel.) or close a cylinder valve (Clockwise looking down at the hand wheel, directional arrows are on the hand wheel.) by hand (Too much closing torque can damage the cylinder valve seat.) using moderate torque to open or close them. Only use set spanners or specific tools that are provided by the cylinder supplier to connect accessories. Multi-grips should never be used. Some regulators require a sealing washer in or on the inlet spigot. Check that this is present before fitting the regulator to the cylinder valve outlet
• Gas cylinders (particularly G & E size) are unstable & must be stored in pallets or racks when not in use & secured when in use by a strap or chain against a wall or secured by a suitable trolley with chain or strap.
• Use appropriate materials for chains. e.g. plastic coated wire cable, commercial straps, with tensioners,… etc., to secure cylinders.
• Gas cylinders should not be stored in public hallways or other unprotected areas
• Store out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat and ignition; temperatures must not exceed 50 °C.
• Where cylinder caps are fitted to cylinders (i.e. instead of Cylinder Valve guards.) refit these cylinder valve caps to the Cylinder thread when the cylinder is not in use.
• Cylinders should be protected from damage. Do not store cylinders near elevators or gangways, or in locations where heavy-moving objects may strike or fall on them or knock the cylinder over.
• Cylinders must be stored on surfaces such as suitably drained concrete to prevent the base of the cylinder from rusting from standing in puddles for long periods. Cylinders should be stored, secured in premises to protect them from theft & against tampering by unauthorized individuals.
• Storage areas must be well-ventilated, cool, dry, and free from corrosive materials.

Handling leaks

• Wear gloves as rapid expansion of either liquid or Gaseous CO₂ can produce very low temperatures & result in cold burns when trying to close the Cylinder Valve to stop leaks. If closing the cylinder valve tightly does not stop the leak, then relocate the cylinder to a safer well ventilated or outdoor location to allow the venting gas to escape & not build up.

 i.e. Per Puregas Safety Guidelines.

• Do not enter an area with high gas leakages without proper PPE or safety equipment.
• Approach the leak only if qualified to do so.
• Use readily available techniques like the soap bubble method to detect the leak.
• Return the empty cylinder if the leak persists or after the gas has been safely vented.
• Make sure the cylinder is properly tagged indicating the nature, location & date of the leak together with a contact name & phone number for follow up by the gas supplier.
• Contact emergency services if either suitably trained staff are available to cope with the situation or the situation is not in control and injury appears likely.