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The following guidelines will help prevent incidents related improper use of compressed gases:

• Order only what you need. Compressed gas cylinders come in many sizes. Order the smallest amount available. 
• Download and read the Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer.  Understand the hazards of the gas you will be using. Gases may be flammable, toxic, corrosive, reactive or inert.
• Provide your cell phone number to the gas delivery vendor so they can reach you upon delivery. Compressed gases must be received by lab personnel; they cannot be left in the hallway, unsecured, or unattended.
• Make sure the compressed gas company will take back the gas cylinder when you are done with it.  This is especially important when you order specialty gases. It is very costly to the University to dispose of compressed gases through ÈÕº«ÎÞÂës laboratory waste disposal procedure.
• Choose the appropriate tubing and regulator. .

Visually inspect compressed gas cylinders during your monthly self-inspection. Check apparatus for proper labels, dents, excessive rust, pitting, bent lines, disconnected lines, or other physical damage.

Regularly use "Snoop," soapy water, or leak detection equipment to check for leaks in the gas transport system.  If a leak is detected, immediately call the vendor to arrange for the cylinder to be removed. 

Higher-hazard gases may require redundant levels of engineering controls, such as a leak detection system with an alarm.

Never use Teflon tape on CGA fittings (straight thread) where the seal is made by a metal-to-metal contact. Use of Teflon tape causes the threads to spread and weaken, increasing the likelihood of leaks. 

Download a compressed gas cylinder safety checklist (PDF).

Watch (or show to your lab group) the that was made with Airgas.

The Lab Supervisor is responsible for training lab personnel about the hazards of the compressed gases used in the lab. Training should include a review of the Safety Data Sheet, proper handling, storage, leak testing, and use. Have an emergency plan in place in case something goes wrong.  If you need additional training, contact Airgas to train your lab group.

Make sure you are using the correct regulator for the particular gas that is inside the cylinder. If the regulator connections do not readily fit together... STOP! This may mean you are using the wrong regulator. Never force connections to fit; forcing can permanently damage the cylinder threads.

Compressed gas cylinders must be secured to a stable object (counter or wall) and secured with a chain or strap about 2/3 of the way up on the gas cylinder so it cannot fall over.

All cylinders MUST have a cap or a regulator at all times. When not in use or during transport, a cap should be used that is sized to fit the gas tank correctly.

• Be sure to use valves, tubing, and tube fittings that are designed for the application. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer or distributor.
• Clean all threads and mating surfaces of the regulator and hose connections before the regulator is attached with a lint-free cloth. Particulates can clog the regulator filter (if so equipped) or cause the regulator to malfunction.
• Attach the regulator securely, with the secondary valve closed and with the regulator flow backed off before opening the cylinder valve.
• Tighten the regulator nut and tube connections only only with a cylinder wrench or other tightly fitting wrench . When working with tubing or tube fittings, where turning a wrench could put torque on weaker system parts, use a second wrench in a suitable location to counter the torque. Never force it.
• Teflon tape should only be used on tapered pipe threads where the seal is made at the threads. Do not use teflon tape on cylinder connections or tube fitting connections, all of which have metal-to-metal face seals or gasketed seals. NEVER USE TEFLON TAPE ON AN OXYGEN CYLINDER.
• When opening a cylinder valve, open the valve slowly. Point the valve opening away from yourself and other persons. Never use a wrench or hammer to open or close a hand wheel-type cylinder valve. If the valve is frozen and cannot be operated by hand, call and return the cylinder to the gas vendor immediately, and ask for a replacement.
• Before a regulator is removed from a cylinder, be sure to close the cylinder valve and release all pressure from the regulator.
• Never completely empty a rented gas cylinder. Instead, discontinue use of the cylinder when it has at least 25 psi remaining. Hang a Full/Empty tag on it so that others know that it is nearly empty. Verify that the valve is closed. Then, secure with a cylinder cap.
• Utilize pressure relief devices (e.g., pressure relief valves and rupture discs) where appropriate to protect against the overpressurizing of any element of the compressed gas system that cannot safely withstand full cylinder pressure.
• Prohibit oil or grease to contact cylinders or their valves, especially cylinders containing an oxidizing gas (e.g oxygen).
• Where there is any chance for equipment malfunction, inspect the condition of the equipment at appropriate intervals.