What safety measures must be used when using compressed gas cylinders?

When using any compressed gas (i.e., cylinders, portable tanks, rail tank cars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks), employers must comply with the provisions outlined in CGA Pamphlet P-1-1965, which is incorporated by reference in the OSHA standard.

In specific regard to the use of compressed gas cylinders:

• Cylinder valves must be closed when work is finished.
• Cylinder valves must be closed before moving cylinders.
• Cylinders must never be used as rollers or supports, whether full or empty.
• Don’t place cylinders where they become part of an electric circuit or use them as a ground during welding.
• Don’t subject cylinders to temperature extremes.
• Unless connected to a manifold, oxygen from a cylinder must not be used without first attaching an oxygen regulator to the cylinder valve.
• Before connecting a regulator to the cylinder valve, the valve must be opened slightly for an instant and then closed.
• Avoid dragging or sliding cylinders.
• Don’t lift cylinders by the caps.
• Move cylinders with a suitable hand truck, lift truck, or crane with a cradle or platform.
• Never drop cylinders or strike them against one another or other surfaces.