INTRODUCTION |
This
chapter illustrates safe procedures for moving and handling toxic gas cylinders. Issues
such as inspecting cylinders for leaks, using appropriate carts when transporting toxic
gas cylinders, and keeping caps on cylinders when not in use are discussed. |
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5.1
Receiving Toxic Gases from the Vendor |
All toxic gas
cylinders must be visually inspected and leak tested by the receiving party upon vendor
delivery. Cylinders that leak or do not pass inspection should not be accepted from
the vendor. The inspection and leak testing process includes the following: |
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• Ensure
that the cylinder valve protection and dust caps are intact and in place. • Verify that the cylinder labels are legible
and list the contents, potential hazards, and precautions.
• Inspect the cylinder for excessive
wear, rust or damage.
• Make certain that the cylinder
hydrostatic test date has not expired.
• Using an appropriate gas detection
system, leak test the cylinder to check for gas leaks. If commercially available, handheld
detectors for a specific or class of gas should be used. (Snoop or other materials that
detect gas leaks may be used; however, Snoop has the potential to contribute to the
contamination of high purity systems.)
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If a cylinder
does not meet the criteria outlined above – especially if it is leaking – refuse
the delivery, and Praxair will take the necessary protective action and remove the
cylinder from Stanford property. |
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5.2
Transporting a Toxic Gas Cylinder or Lecture Bottle |
In order to
safely transport toxic gas containers, there are several general guidelines to be
followed: |
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• Only
trained personnel can handle or transport gas cylinders and lecture bottles. • Carry small lecture bottles by hand one at a
time or in a gas cylinder carrier.
• Cylinders must be transported by at
least two people using a sturdy gas cylinder cart. The cart should be in good repair and
have wheels large enough to negotiate uneven surfaces without tipping or suddenly
stopping.
• Cylinders must be securely
restrained on the cart.
• Cylinders must be transported with
protective and dust caps in place.
• Cylinders cannot be rolled on their
sides for any reason.
• Only for a short distance may
cylinders be rolled on-end, e.g., from the cart to the gas cabinet.
• Always treat cylinders as if they
are full. |
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5.3
Placing a Toxic Gas Cylinder into Service |
After a toxic gas
cylinder or lecture bottle has been transported from the dock to the laboratory, it must
immediately be placed into a gas cabinet or ventilated enclosure. Only individuals trained
by the gas cabinet vendor or experienced Stanford personnel can install or remove toxic
gas cylinders. Unless a department or laboratory has established its own procedures,
follow the instructions of gas cabinet manufacturers and vendors for installing cylinders.
If installation and removal instructions from the gas cabinet vendor are unavailable, call
Praxair (1-800-660-2066) or EH&S (723-0448) to request information. |
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It is important
that the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) fittings in
the gas cabinet match the cylinder. If the fittings do not easily go together, the
manifold is probably not the correct type for the gas type and another manifold should be
used. Never force the fittings onto the cylinder.
However, lecture bottle valves do not
have different outlets for different types of gases. Therefore, to prevent cross
contamination, mark equipment and controls with the name of the gas being used.
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