Report Title

Compressed Gas Safety

By: Eng. Onel Israel

Supervised by: Prof. Dr. Hazim Aljewaree

Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering Department

College of Engineering
Salahuddin University-Erbil
Academic Year 2020-2021

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 ABSTRACT

Many industrial and laboratory operations require the use of compressed

gases for a variety of different operations. But in every action, there are
danger way and useful way and the danger way of compressed gas are
Hazards associated with compressed gases include oxygen displacement,
fires, explosions, and toxic gas exposures, as well as the
physical hazards associated with high pressure systems. Special storage,
use, and handling precautions are necessary in order to control
these hazards. to avoid this problem, we need to have a completely
information about the operation. Many industrial and laboratory operations
require the use of compressed gases for a variety of different operations.
But in every action, there are a danger way and useful way and the danger
way of compressed gas are Hazards associated with compressed
gases include oxygen displacement, fires, explosions, and
toxic gas exposures, as well as the physical hazards associated with high
pressure systems.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract 2

Table of Contents 3

Introduction 4

Background & Review 7

Methods 9

Theory 10

Conclusion 12

Reference 13

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 INTRODUCTION

According to WHMIS, compressed gas is a substance that is a gas at

normal room temperature and pressure and is contained under pressure,
usually in a cylinder. Some compressed gases for example acetylene are
stabilized in the cylinder by dissolving the gas in a liquid or solid matrix.
The handling of compressed gases must be considered more hazardous than
the handling of liquid and solid materials
because of the following properties unique to
compressed gases: pressure, low flash points for
flammable gases, low boiling points, and no
visual and detection of many hazardous gases.

Compressed Many industrial and laboratory

operations require the use of compressed gases
for a variety of different operations. They have (Fig.1)
the potential for creating hazardous working environments.
Compressed gases present a unique hazard. Depending
on the particular gas, there is a potential for simultaneous
exposure to both mechanical and chemical hazards.
If the gas is flammable, flash points lower than room
temperature compounded by high rates of diffusion
present a danger of fire or explosion.
(Fig.2)
Additional hazards of reactivity and toxicity of the gas, as well
as asphyxiation, can be caused by high concentrations of even harmless
gases such as nitrogen. Since the gases are contained in heavy, highly

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pressurized metal containers, the large amount of potential energy resulting
from compression of the gas makes the cylinder a potential rocket or
fragmentation bomb.

• Compressed gas properties

Compressed gases can be toxic, flammable, oxidizing, corrosive,
and inert or they may possess combinations of these hazards.
Besides their chemical hazards, compressed gases are rather
pressurized. The amount of energy in a compressed gas cylinder
makes it a potential rocket. It is of essential importance to
handle and use compressed gas cylinders appropriately.

• Most common gas (Fig.3)

Most common gases used are nitrogen, propane, chlorine, helium, oxygen,
air and carbon dioxide. the most important one These gases are dissolved
under pressure and produce foam upon release of the pressure. The use of
nitrogen in injection–molded foam products is typical. The nitrogen is
injected under high pressure. When the pressure is relieved, the gas
becomes less soluble in the polymer and forms cells.

• Primary hazards of compressed gases

Following risks of hazards should be kept in mind while handling, working
with storing compressed gases:

1. Asphyxiation: This is the most important hazard associated with inert

gases. These gases may easily leak into atmosphere and rapidly reduce
the oxygen amount below minimum oxygen concentration for human
breathing. Since they are colorless and odourless, it is hard to detect the

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 leak. An equipment to monitor oxygen level should always be carried
while working with inert gases in enclosed areas.

2. Fire and Explosion: This is the most important hazard

associated with flammable gases such as oxygen and
oxidizers. Static electric or a heat source such as flame
or a hot object can ignite flammable gases.

3. Chemical Burns: Corrosive gases can chemically (Fig.4)

attack various materials, including fireresistant clothing. They
may rapidly destruct skin and eye tissue.

4. Chemical Poisoning: This is the most important hazard associated with

toxic gases. A shorttime exposure to these gases may result in severe
injuries of poisoning, even in very small concentrations.

5. High Pressure: Since the containers/cylinders of compressed gases are

in high levels of pressure, they are potentially hazardous. A sudden
release of pressurized gas, by means of propelling a cylinder or
whipping a line, may cause several injuries.

6. Cylinder Weight: A full size cylinder may weigh more than 58 kg.
Manual movement of a cylinder, including dropping and dragging may
cause injuries concerning back, spinal cord or muscles.

7. Health effects: Many compressed gases are toxic or very

toxic. They could cause various health problems
depending on the specific gas and exposure.

(Fig.5)

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 BACKGROUND & REVIEW

In every laboratory and working place we should follow the rules because
if we don’t follow You endanger yourself and others in the lab. You could
easily ruin your experiment. You put the lab at risk of an accident, which
could damage equipment as well as harm people. here are two workplace
accidents involving gas cylinders could have been avoided:

1. Using gas cylinders at height

Two workers needed to use compressed nitrogen gas to leak-test some
HVAC units installed in the roof of a warehouse. To reach the HVAC
units, the workers used a rolling staircase with a landing platform then
continued up a fixed ladder. One worker tried to climb the fixed ladder
while holding a 15.8kg nitrogen cylinder in one hand. He lost his balance
and fell, hitting first the landing area then continued falling more than 5
meters to the concrete floor below. He broke his back.

2. Transferring cylinders onsite

A worker was moving an empty nitrogen cylinder down a passageway. He
was actually pushing the cylinder along the ground while pulling an empty
cylinder trolley along behind him. Somehow the wheels of the gas cylinder
trolley became jammed in a crack on the floor and the whole trolley tipped
over. Somehow the worker’s index finger became trapped between the
cylinder and the gas bottle trolley. His finger was amputated.

Application of compressed gas in daily life:

1. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG):

The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder that we get in
our home for cooking or the oxygen supplied to hospitals
in cylinders is compressed gas.

(Fig.6)

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2. Going on long drives with your Motor cars:
Well, this air compressor enables motorists to inflate a car's
tires with ease. Compressedair is also used to fill the gas for your CNG
driven vehicles at your gas filling stations. We may relate
the application of compressed air in every walk of our life.

Storage of Compressed Gas

Store compressed gas cylinders in cool, dry, well-ventilated

areas, away from incompatible materials and ignition
sources. Ensure that the storage temperature does not exceed
52°C (125°F). Store, handle and use compressed gas
cylinders securely fastened in place in the upright position.

Excessive storage time shall be prevented by the use of the

smallest practical size cylinder for a particular gas
application. Corrosive gases shall not be stored for more than
six (6) months. Usually after this period of time, there is a
deterioration of the gas purity which increases the possibility
of cylinder valve malfunction.
(Fig.7)
• Store all cylinders upright and secure on a level surface to
prevent them from falling.
• Acetylene and propane must never be stacked horizontally
either in storage or in use.
• Storage arrangements should ensure turnaround of stock in adequate
time.
• Storage areas with gas cylinders must have more than one exit.
• Storage area must have good housekeeping and adequate warning signs
with firefighting equipment as necessary.
• Cylinders should be located away from any heat/source of ignition and
if possible, away from the fire exits, elevators, walkways, building
egresses, unprotected platform edges, or in locations where heavy
moving objects may strike or fall on them.

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 Methods

Identification and Properties

The contents of any compressed gas cylinder must be clearly identified.

Such identification should be stenciled or stamped on the
cylinder or a label. Commercially available three part tag
systems may also be used for identification and inventory.

• Read the label to see what gas you are dealing with and
double check the cylinder gas is right way for the
intended use.

• No compressed gas cylinder should be accepted for use

that does not legibly identify the contents by name. (Fig.8)

• If the labeling on a cylinder becomes unclear or an attached tag

is defaced to the point the contents cannot be identified, the cylinder
should be marked contents unknown and returned directly to
the manufacturer.

• If there is a mismatch between the color of a cylinder and the

label. Do not use, contact the supplier immediately.

• Know the properties of the gas (read Material Safety Data

Sheets available from your Supervisor).

• The cylinder’s contents should be identified at all times as well (Fig.9)

as the cylinder status (full, empty or in service).

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 THEORY

Blow Pipes and Torches

Leaks are a serious hazard as they are closest to the operator. Always check
condition before use, ensure tip is free of obstruction. Signs of heat damage
around the blow pipe or torch may indicate the equipment has suffered
internal damage and is leaking and should be replaced immediately. No
sign of sideways movement of the cutting leaver as this could cause gas
leaks within the body of the torch that are difficult to detect.
Replace blow pipe or torch if
• Broken bent or loose gas control valve
• Bent mixer, misshapen cutter head
• Bent cutter tube
• Broken of bent cutting oxygen lever

Acetylene

Acetylene gas under excess pressure becomes unstable. Cylinders should

never be subject to intense heat or physical impact as the
rise in temperature and pressure may cause the acetylene
to thermally decompose. Prior to moving a cylinder that
has been subject to heat or severe impact contact trained
emergency personnel who can check for temperature rise
and apply correct procedures. The cylinder may appear
normal but if it is moved it may detonate with fatal consequences. (Fig.10)

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Safe Handling, and Use

Gas cylinders must be secured at all times to prevent tipping. Cylinders

may be attached to a bench top, individually to the wall, placed in a holding
cage, or have a non-tip base attached. Chains or sturdy straps
may be used to secure them. Cylinders containing flammable
gases such as hydrogen or acetylene must not be stored in close
proximity to open flames, areas where electrical sparks are
generated, or where other sources of ignition may be present.
Even for short distances a suitable hand truck or a chain
equipped cart should be used and cylinders must be belted to secure (Fig.11)

the cylinder to the cart.

Transportation of Cylinders

The cylinders that contain compressed gases are primarily shipping

containers and should not be subjected to rough handling or abuse. Such
misuse can seriously weaken the cylinder and render it unfit for further use
or transform it into a rocket having sufficient thrust to drive it through
masonry walls.

1. To protect the valve during transportation, the cover cap

should be screwed on hand tight and remain on until the
cylinder is in place and ready for use.

2. Cylinders should never be rolled or dragged.

3. When moving large cylinders, they should be strapped to

a properly designed wheeled cart to ensure stability.

4. Only one cylinder should be handled (moved) at a time. (Fig.12)

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 CONCLUSION

To conclude with, compressed gas by The OSHA Hazard Communication

Standard defines a gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an
absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70 deg. Compressed gases present a
unique hazard. Depending on the particular gas, there is a potential for
simultaneous exposure to both mechanical and chemical hazards
inadequate training and supervision, poor installation, poor maintenance,
faulty equipment and design (e.g badly fitting valves or regulators), poor
handling, poor storage, inadequately ventilated working conditions When
working with compressed gases you need to know the properties of the gas,
safe use procedures and what to do when things go wrong For detailed use
of individual gases you should now review the relevant Material Safety
data Sheet (MSDS) for each gas used on your site.

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 REFERENCES

[1] Laboratory Safety Handbook Prepared by Anastasia Zakharyuta,

Canhan Şen and Merve Senem Avaz. First Edition Copyright 2016 ©
Sabancı University.

[2] Laboratory Safety Handbook prepared by Richard Lumb, Lisa

Shephard, Ivan Bastian and Mark Fitz Gerald Global edition.

[3] Lab Safety Handbook by New York University Office of

Environmental Health and Safety 2017.

[4] Laboratory Safety – Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal

Disorders" (PDF). OSHA. Retrieved 25 October 2015.

[5] Otto, Thomas (2021). Safety for Particle Accelerators. Particle

Acceleration and Detection. Cham: Springer International Publishing.

[6] Laboratory Safety Handbook School of Engineering & School of IT

Monash University Malaysia.

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