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Safe Handling, Use and Storage of Hazardous Chemicals

 Introduction

Compressed gases include the following sub categories:

  • compressed gas (O2, helium, argon)
  • compressed liquid (Chlorine; CO2 )
  • dissolved gas in liquid (acetylene in acetone)
  • cryogenic liquids (N2; O2)

Compressed Gas Hazards

Gas Cylinder Handling

Separation Chart for Storage of Dangerous Gases

Compressed Gas Hazards

  • Asphyxiating though oxygen displacement
  • Sudden expansion of volume
  • May explode when heated or if cylinder is damaged
  • May act as projectile if neck is damaged
  • Quick diffusion results in an increased exposure radius which increases the potential for high acute exposure (chlorine or hydrogen sulfide)
  • Additional hazards depend on chemical nature

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Compressed Gas Cylinder Handling
  • Chain or strap individually in upright position
  • Keep the protective cap in place while moving the cylinder
  • Always use a hand truck/cylinder cart for transport. Chain cylinders to hand truck
  • Do not empty (not less than 30 psi)
  • Keep cylinder valves closed when not in use
  • Fittings must be compatible and withstand cylinder pressures
  • Must not be placed near exit route and doors
  • Store away from heat, sun and source of moisture.
  • Store hazardous gases outside in a protected enclosure
  • In the lab keep only those cylinders that are actually in use
  • Store the smallest size that is available & practical
  • Never mix gases in cylinder. This may result in explosion, contamination, corrosion and other hazards
  • Protect cylinders from any objects that might cut or scrape them
  • Do not drop cylinders or otherwise permit them to strike each other
  • Store according to compatibility groups
  • Use the proper regulator for a particular gas.
  • Check regularly for leaks using snoop or equivalent solution
  • Review MSDS for gas specific information

Lecture Bottles

Store lecture bottles and small cylinders in special holders or racks; refer to examples.

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Separation Chart for Storage of Dangerous Gases

  Flammable
Gas		 Non-
Flammable
Gas		 Poison
Gas		 Corrosive Gas Oxidizers
Flammable
Gas		 P P X X X
Non-Flammable Gas P P P P P
Poison Gas X P P A DS
Corrosive Gas X P A DS A
Oxidizers X P A or X A P

P   Permitted; items may be stored together
X   Incompatible items; do not store together in the same fire compartment (storage facility)
A   Incompatible items; separate by minimum of 1 metre distance
DS   Defer to Material Safety Data Sheet

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•last updated on June 29, 2006

Contact the Safety Advisor if you have any safety concerns: chemsafe@chem.ubc.ca

SAFETY MANUAL

LINKS

HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS INTRO

COMPRESSED GAS

FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL

OXIDIZING MATERIAL

TOXIC MATERIAL

CORROSIVE MATERIAL

DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIAL

FUME HOOD SAFETY

REFERENCES

BC OSH Regulations:
Substances Under Pressure