CCPS Process Safety Beacon Messages for

Manufacturing
An AIChE Industry Personnel
Technology Alliance
April 2002

10,9,8,7,...Houston, we have launch!

The Incident.
An operator was
The cylinder that got away
supposed to
remove one of
Howd that happen?
the two FM-200 Compressed gas cylinders have an enormous amount of stored
fire suppression energy just waiting to be mishandled, dropped, or vigorously
cylinders from abused. If this energy is released suddenly, they act like a jet
service, but engine; not just like - they pretty much are a jet without the
things didnt go combustion process. Exhaust vapor from a broken valve
exactly according creates a force that moves the jet, or cylinder here, in an
to plan. As you opposite direction of the exiting vapor. It was fortunate that
can see in the this cylinder selected to travel up instead of across the room.
first picture, The pictures speak for themselves the forces involved are
theres only one
significant, and major damages to property and people are
of them. During
removal of its potential outcomes when this energy is released suddenly.
twin, the cylinder
managed to
escape and make
a clean get away, What do you look for?
clear through the Remember this story and the pictures next time youre working with
ceiling and onto compressed gas cylinders. They have an incredible amount of power -
the roof! Look jet power. Thats why its important to practice all those precautions
carefully at the you hear about keep them chained up, make sure valve covers are in
second picture place when moving, follow manufacturers recommended practices,
and you can etc. And especially, dont allow something to occur which knocks
identify the need
the valve off. If that happens it could be Houston, we have a
for roof repairs!
problem.

AIChE 2002. All rights reserved. Reproduction for non-commercial, educational purposes is encouraged. However,
reproduction for the purpose of resale by anyone other than CCPS is strictly prohibited.
Contact us at ccps@aiche.org or 212-591-7319. http://www.aiche.org/ccps/safetybeacon.htm