Moving Gas Cylinders Safely

41. (2005)

The recent introduction of new valves to many inert gas cylinders has highlighted the importance of moving the gas cylinders in a safe way.  The new valves, which are in line with the Australian Standard (AS2473), have the outlet to the side, and valve wheel/handle on top.

There have been several reports of ‘near misses’ [1] associated with the plastic dust plug being fired out of the outlet under pressure if the user inadvertently moves the cylinder by holding the valve handle.  Of particular concern are ‘G’ sized cylinders, as these outlets are around eye level of many users, with the potential for blindness or brain damage.

Part of this problem is poor handling practice, and design.  To minimise the risks, the correct handling technique is outlined below.

Handling a gas cylinder correctly over short distances -

(eg. moving a cylinder on or off a trolley or into a gas cage or manifold)Note: large gas cylinders (like the ‘G’ size) are heavy.  If you are not comfortable controlling this weight, ask for assistance.  Lifting a gas cylinder should not be attempted.

Gas cylinders must always be moved without a regulator or gas fixture.

a)      Always wear good footwear, like safety boots, to prevent foot injuries.

b)      Always wear leather gloves, like riggers gloves – this will give you better grip, prevent cuts to the hand, or discomfort due to hot or cold cylinders.

c)      Ensure you have space to move the cylinder safely, being able to control its movement without sustaining awkward postures or risk tripping/falling over.

d)      Firmly grip the cylinder neck (the space between the cylinder body and the valve, not the valve handle) with your thumb and fingers in a ‘C’ fashion.  This is your support hand. 

e)      Position your feet shoulder width apart and with one foot behind the other, for greater stability.

f)        Tilt the cylinder slightly (2-5°) towards you.  Keep your support hand close to your body while moving the cylinder.

g)      With your free hand, rotate the gas cylinder.  It should move easily in the direction you want it to go.

h)      Position the cylinder in its desired location.

i)        Return the cylinder to an upright position, maintaining a firm grip on the cylinder to prevent it toppling over.

j)        Ensure the gas cylinder is securely restrained.

Handling a gas cylinder correctly over distances -

Use a gas cylinder trolley.

[1]     Correspondence within Commonwealth OHS Officers, December 2004.

[2]     https://pgw100.portal.gases.boc.com/boc_sp/au/safety/cylinder_safety_aust.pdf  under "Handling"

[3]      BOC Gases site https://pgw100.portal.gases.boc.com/scripts/wgate/zcpwp_b2c/!?~login=boccomau

[4]     ANU Hazard Alert 38. Gas cylinder valve change for Air and Nitrogen compressed gases (2004)

Note: this issue also relates to other gas suppliers conforming to the Australian Standards and members of the Australian and New Zealand Industrial Gas Association (ANZIGA).