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Emergency Action for Handling Leaking Compressed Gas Cylinders

General Precautions
Gengas takes every reasonable precaution to see that its products come to you
safely. This concern for safety doesn’t end with delivery, but should be continued by
you and all other customers by following seven general precautions.
1. Know and Understand Gas Properties
Know and understand the properties, proper uses, and safety precautions of your
gases before using them. Consult the Air Products Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) and/or Safetygrams for safety information about these gases.
2. Know and Understand the Gas Package 
Know and understand the package for each of the gases you use. The package
consists of two distinctive parts—the cylinder and the cylinder valve. Again, consult
the appropriate MSDS materials and Safetygrams for your specific products. The
following Safetygrams provide basic package information:
• Handling, Storage and Use of Compressed Gas Cylinders
• Don’t Turn a Cylinder In to a Rocket
• Cylinder Pressure-Relief Devices
• Cylinder Valves
The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) also offers helpful publications such as the
“Handbook of Compressed Gases” and Pamphlet P-1, “Safe Handling of Compressed
Gases In Containers,” which provide information on the safe handling of gases and their packages.
3. Check Your Equipment
Before lines and equipment are used, leak-check and evaluate their ability to
contain full cylinder pressure. The leak check should be performed with an inert gas,
and care should be taken not to over pressurize any components of the system. If
the system is not rated for full cylinder pressure, a pressure-reducing regulator
must be used and the system should be protected with a pressure-relief device.
Leak-check the system at its working pressure . Be certain that materials of
construction are compatible with the gases being used.
4. Develop Emergency Plans
Federal law requires that all facilities using hazardous materials develop emergency
plans. Be aware of the potential hazards of the gases being stored and used, and
plan for emergencies. Practice implementing emergency plans so that all
contingencies are covered. Assign responsibilities and lines of authority. Coordinate
with local hospitals and fire departments and inform them of the gases in use so
they can be prepared with the needed expertise, equipment, and medical support if
an emergency occurs.
5. Provide Personal Protection
It is necessary to define and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for
routine operations, as well as for emergencies. It is important to establish a policy
that requires personnel to wear the proper PPE for each job. Gloves, face protection,
and sensible work uniforms for routine tasks, as well as self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA)and special protective clothing required for emergencies, should
be made available. In addition, gas cabinets, eye washes, safety showers, and fire
extinguishers should be considered when using hazardous materials. Everyone
involved must be trained in the proper use of all necessary PPE. Train personnel to
recognize when that equipment is needed.
Comply with all federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to the storage and
use of compressed gases. CGA Pamphlet P-1 and the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) codes provide excellent guidance.
7. When in Doubt
When in doubt about the handling or use of any Air Products’ gases or equipment, or
the hazards of a particular gas, contact your local sales office or call our Technical
Information Center at +1 (800) 752-1597.
Leaks
Cylinder leaks usually occur at welded seams (on low-pressure cylinders) or at the
cylinder valve. Proper quality control of materials and inspections, as required by
the Department of Transportation (DOT), lessen the probability of cylinder leaks. 
Compressed gas suppliers are required to inspect cylinders for visual damage each
time the cylinders are filled. In addition, gas producers must make certain the
cylinder closure is completely leak-tight, and that cylinders are internally inspected
and hydrostatically tested at the prescribed time intervals. The purpose of these
inspections is to verify that the cylinder is in sound condition and that it will be safe
during transportation. In spite of such precautions, leaks can develop from handling
in transit, during storage, and during use. The greatest leak potential is with the
cylinder valve. There are four distinct areas where leaks at the cylinder valve can
occur:
1. Valve Threads
Leaks are possible at the valve threads where the valve screws into the cylinder;
these are commonly referred to as “neck leakers.” These types of leaks cannot and
should not be repaired in the field. To do so is a violation of a very important safety
practice—NEVER repair equipment under pressure. Leaks of this nature should only
be handled with the assistance of the supplier.
2. Pressure-Relief Device
Leaks can occur at two points on the pressure-relief device—around its threads or
through its relief channel. Again, leaks at the pressure-relief device cannot and
must not be repaired in the field. To attempt field repair is a violation of two very
important safety practices. NEVER attempt to repair equipment under pressure and
NEVER tamper with pressure-relief devices. Tampering with the pressure-relief
device compromises the safety of the cylinder. Leaks through the pressure-relief
channel can become severe, and all personnel must be evacuated from the
immediate area. Contact your supplier for immediate assistance.