Compressed Gas Cylinder Usage
General Usage
Appropriate firefighting, personnel safety and first aid equipment should be available in case of emergencies.
Labeling
If a cylinder’s contents are not clearly identified by the proper cylinder labels, do NOT accept for use. Observe all warnings and precautions indicated on the cylinder label.
Securing Cylinders
Before Use When a cylinder is in use, it must be secured with a fastener. Floor or wall brackets are ideal for stationary use. Portable bench brackets are recommended for when cylinders must be moved. Smaller stands are available as well for lecture bottle use. Your Air Liquide representative can assist you in determining which type of cylinder fastener best meets your needs.
Initiating Service of Cylinder
Secure the cylinder before removing the valve protection cap. Remove the protective cap and inspect the cylinder valve for damaged threads, dirt, oil or grease. Do not remove a SCANDINA™ cap. Remove any dust or dirt with a clean cloth. If oil or grease is present on the valve of a cylinder that contains oxygen or another oxidant, do NOT attempt to use it. Such substances in contact with an oxidant are explosive. Notify Air Liquide of this condition.
Valve Outlet Connections and Fittings
Be sure fittings and connection threads meet properly – never force. Dedicate your regulator to a single valve connection even if it is designed for different gases. NEVER cross thread or use adapters between nonmating equipment and cylinders. Most valve outlet connections are designed with metal-to-metal seals; use washers only if indicated. Do not use Teflon® tape on the valve threads to prevent leaking, it may become powdered and get caught on the regulator poppet causing full pressure downstream. Never use pipe dope on pipe threads. Also, never turn the threads the wrong way. This may produce brass particles that might get caught in the regulator’s poppet.
Terminating Service of Cylinder
Always disconnect equipment from the cylinder when not in use and return the valve protection cap to the cylinder.