Which is the safety method for carry the oxygen gas cylinder?

Home Health Workers and Patients Carrying Oxygen Cylinders –

Use a cart or holster to carry portable oxygen. Holsters look like a shoulder bag with an opening on top. Tanks should not be placed in closed bags or backpacks. Secure tanks so they do not roll in a car. Liquid oxygen tanks should never be laid on their sides. Portable cylinders can be laid on their sides, but valves must be protected from collision. Tanks should never be placed in a tightly closed space like a trunk. When using oxygen, sit near a partially opened window to prevent oxygen and heat from building up in the vehicle. When traveling by bus, give the bus service advance notice that you will be traveling with oxygen. If you are traveling on Greyhound with oxygen, you are allowed 4 cylinders: two on board, and two in the cargo compartment.

The following video shows how to travel safely with oxygen tanks in your car.

How do you transport oxy acetylene cylinders?

DOT regulations require both oxygen and acetylene tanks to be capped and trans- ported in an upright position. Compressed gas cylinders must be placed with valve end up whenever they are in use, stored or transported. Before transporting, all cylinder valves must be closed.

How should oxygen and acetylene cylinders be transported and stored?

Oxygen cylinders – Though pure oxygen on its own does not burn, it causes any combustible material it comes in contact with to burn much hotter and much faster. The main risk of oxygen cylinders is gas leaks creating an oxygen enriched atmosphere (oxygen levels are higher than 21%) where fires are easily ignited. Some of the risks and hazards associated with oxygen cylinders include:

Leaking oxygen creating an oxygen enriched environment. Leaks can be caused by damaged hoses, worn and damaged valves, loose connections, leaving valves open when the cylinder isn’t being used. Oxygen cylinders contacting combustible substances like oil, grease, certain plastics and metals can create fires and explosions Workers incorrectly substituting oxygen for compressed air and others gases causing fires and fatal explosions Damaged or ruptured cylinders creating a fire or explosion. Cylinders damage can be caused by incorrect handling/storage (dropped or falling; impact from vehicles or falling objects) Cylinders exposed to heat can explode.

IMPORTANT: Free flowing acetylene, as well as O2 can create spontaneous fires and explosions Storing acetylene and oxygen gases All compressed gases in cylinders must be stored according to the strict guidelines of AS4332-2004 – The storage and handling of gases in cylinders, Gas bottles must be stored:

At ground level Upright with valves closed and cylinder caps in place Securely restrained by individual safety straps or chains Protected from impact Preferably outside in a well ventilated area Inside a secure area that has been fenced off and unable to be accessed by unauthorised persons Away from any potential ignition sources including static electricity With mandatory placards and warning signage Near first aid equipment, SDSs, and emergency instructions

Section 4.4 of the Standard requires the segregation of incompatible gases from each other within a gas bottle cage, At the same time the store itself must be isolated (separated) from site boundaries; other Dangerous Goods stores; combustibles, refuse and vegetation; ignition sources; industrial heat (radiators, hotwork, steam pipes, furnaces); and openings to buildings.

Class 2.1 Flammable Gases (acetylene) and Class 2.2/5.1 non-flammable, oxidising gases must be segregated from each other within a gas cylinder storage cage by at least 3 meters. If this distance cannot be achieved, a barrier wall (at least 1 metre higher than the tallest cylinder) can be used to achieve the segregation.

The wall must be made of non-combustible materials and impervious to the gases. IMPORTANT: Gas cylinder stores need adequate ventilation to maintain safe oxygen levels and keep gases within explosive limits. Next steps If your workplace uses oxygen, acetylene and other compressed gases why not download our free eBook; Gas cylinder storage: Compliance and storage requirements,

What are the safety precautions for acetylene gas cylinders?

Particular care must be taken with small cylinders that do not have valve protection caps. Keep cylinders away from external sources of heat. Cylinders are not designed for temperatures in excess of 125F (52C). Acetylene must be stored at least 20-feet away from oxygen or separated by a five foot high fire-rated wall.

How should gas cylinders be carried?

It is recommended that ALL gas cylinders are transported upright and secured in an open vehicle.  Transport cylinders on the back of OPEN vehicles. (Eg:. ‘Ute.’ (utility), open tray truck, open or wire caged trailer).

What is safest method for handling compressed gas cylinder?

Compressed gas cylinders are used to store gases at high pressures. They can be dangerous if not handled properly, as they can explode or leak if damaged. Here are some tips for handling compressed gas cylinders safely:

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, gloves, and protective clothing when handling gas cylinders.Store gas cylinders in an upright position, away from heat sources and flames.Secure gas cylinders to prevent them from falling over or being knocked over.Use a gas cylinder cart or stand to transport cylinders, rather than rolling them on the ground.Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for handling, storing, and using the gas.Inspect gas cylinders regularly for signs of damage or wear.Never tamper with the pressure relief device on a compressed gas cylinder.If you detect a gas leak, immediately evacuate the area, and call for emergency assistance.Dispose of gas cylinders according to local regulations.Always check with CGA and other Standards Developing Organizations for the latest safety guidelines and standards.

Check out these CGA Standards & Guides for more information:

CGA C-6, Standard for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders CGA C-6.1, Standard for Visual Inspection of High Pressure Aluminum Alloy Compressed Gas Cylinders CGA C-6.2, Standard for Visual Inspection and Requalification of Fiber Reinforced High Pressure Cylinders CGA C-6.3, Standard for Visual Inspection of Low Pressure Aluminum Alloy Compressed Gas Cylinders CGA C-6.4, Methods for External Visual Inspection of Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) and Hydrogen Gas Vehicle (HGV) Fuel Containers and Their Installations CGA C-10, Guideline to Prepare Cylinders and Tubes for Gas Service and Changes in Gas Service CGA C-13, Standard for Periodic Visual Inspection and Requalification of Acetylene Cylinders CGA C-17, Methods to Avoid and Detect Internal Corrosion of Gas Cylinders and Tubes CGA C-23, Standard for Inspection of DOT/TC 3 Series and ISO 11120 Tube Neck Mounting Surfaces CGA P-1, Standard for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers CGA P-2.7, Guideline for the Safe Storage, Handling, and Use of Small Portable Liquid Oxygen Systems in Health Care Facilities CGA P-15, Standard for the Filling of Nonflammable Compressed Gas Cylinders CGA P-38, Guideline for Devalving Cylinders CGA P-63, Disposal of Gases

How are oxygen cylinders transported?

Follow these steps to ensure the safety of yourself and those near you: –

To transport an oxygen cylinder, firmly secure it on the floor of the back seat. The car must be well ventilated to prevent oxygen and heat from collecting inside; leave a window open at least an inch or two. Never transport oxygen in the trunk of a car or bed of a truck. In a rear-end collision, an oxygen cylinder can explode, injuring people inside and even outside the vehicle.

Through our Home Medical Equipment (HME) teams, VITAS provides home medical equipment, including oxygen tanks, to our patients as part of the Medicare hospice benefit. Our dedicated team members also provide training and support on using the equipment.

Can you transport oxygen and acetylene cylinders lying down?

An open vehicle or trailer is preferred. Transporting the cylinders in an upright position is always preferred. Cylinders should be placed only on flat floors or platforms.

Can you take a cylinder of oxygen or acetylene into a confined space?

1. By Standard Number
2. 1926.350 – Gas welding and cutting.

• Part Number: 1926
• Part Number Title: Safety and Health Regulations for Construction
• Subpart: 1926 Subpart J
• Subpart Title: Welding and Cutting
• Standard Number:
• Title: Gas welding and cutting.
• GPO Source:

1926.350(a) Transporting, moving, and storing compressed gas cylinders,1926.350(a)(2) When cylinders are hoisted, they shall be secured on a cradle, slingboard, or pallet. They shall not be hoisted or transported by means of magnets or choker slings.1926.350(a)(3) Cylinders shall be moved by tilting and rolling them on their bottom edges.

They shall not be intentionally dropped, struck, or permitted to strike each other violently.1926.350(a)(4) When cylinders are transported by powered vehicles, they shall be secured in a vertical position.1926.350(a)(5) Valve protection caps shall not be used for lifting cylinders from one vertical position to another.

Bars shall not be used under valves or valve protection caps to pry cylinders loose when frozen. Warm, not boiling, water shall be used to thaw cylinders loose.1926.350(a)(6) Unless cylinders are firmly secured on a special carrier intended for this purpose, regulators shall be removed and valve protection caps put in place before cylinders are moved.1926.350(a)(7) A suitable cylinder truck, chain, or other steadying device shall be used to keep cylinders from being knocked over while in use.1926.350(a)(8) When work is finished, when cylinders are empty, or when cylinders are moved at any time, the cylinder valve shall be closed.1926.350(a)(9) Compressed gas cylinders shall be secured in an upright position at all times except, if necessary, for short periods of time while cylinders are actually being hoisted or carried.1926.350(a)(10) Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.1926.350(a)(11) Inside of buildings, cylinders shall be stored in a well-protected, well-ventilated, dry location, at least 20 feet (6.1 m) from highly combustible materials such as oil or excelsior.

Cylinders should be stored in definitely assigned places away from elevators, stairs, or gangways. Assigned storage places shall be located where cylinders will not be knocked over or damaged by passing or falling objects, or subject to tampering by unauthorized persons. Cylinders shall not be kept in unventilated enclosures such as lockers and cupboards.1926.350(a)(12) The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders, portable tanks, rail tankcars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks shall be in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965.1926.350(b) Placing cylinders,1926.350(b)(1) Cylinders shall be kept far enough away from the actual welding or cutting operation so that sparks, hot slag, or flame will not reach them.

When this is impractical, fire resistant shields shall be provided.1926.350(b)(2) Cylinders shall be placed where they cannot become part of an electrical circuit. Electrodes shall not be struck against a cylinder to strike an arc.1926.350(b)(3) Fuel gas cylinders shall be placed with valve end up whenever they are in use.

They shall not be placed in a location where they would be subject to open flame, hot metal, or other sources of artificial heat.1926.350(b)(4) Cylinders containing oxygen or acetylene or other fuel gas shall not be taken into confined spaces.1926.350(c) Treatment of cylinders,1926.350(c)(1) Cylinders, whether full or empty, shall not be used as rollers or supports.1926.350(c)(2) No person other than the gas supplier shall attempt to mix gases in a cylinder.

No one except the owner of the cylinder or person authorized by him, shall refill a cylinder. No one shall use a cylinder’s contents for purposes other than those intended by the supplier. All cylinders used shall meet the Department of Transportation requirements published in 49 CFR part 178, subpart C, Specification for Cylinders.1926.350(d) Use of fuel gas,

The employer shall thoroughly instruct employees in the safe use of fuel gas, as follows: 1926.350(d)(1) Before a regulator to a cylinder valve is connected, the valve shall be opened slightly and closed immediately. (This action is generally termed “cracking” and is intended to clear the valve of dust or dirt that might otherwise enter the regulator.) The person cracking the valve shall stand to one side of the outlet, not in front of it.

Torch Cutting Basics Everyone Should Know | Oxygen & Acetylene Fuel

The valve of a fuel gas cylinder shall not be cracked where the gas would reach welding work, sparks, flame, or other possible sources of ignition.1926.350(d)(2) The cylinder valve shall always be opened slowly to prevent damage to the regulator. For quick closing, valves on fuel gas cylinders shall not be opened more than 1 1⁄2 turns.

• When a special wrench is required, it shall be left in position on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use so that the fuel gas flow can be shut off quickly in case of an emergency.
• In the case of manifolded or coupled cylinders, at least one such wrench shall always be available for immediate use.

Nothing shall be placed on top of a fuel gas cylinder, when in use, which may damage the safety device or interfere with the quick closing of the valve.1926.350(d)(3) Fuel gas shall not be used from cylinders through torches or other devices which are equipped with shutoff valves without reducing the pressure through a suitable regulator attached to the cylinder valve or manifold.1926.350(d)(4) Before a regulator is removed from a cylinder valve, the cylinder valve shall always be closed and the gas released from the regulator.1926.350(d)(5) If, when the valve on a fuel gas cylinder is opened, there is found to be a leak around the valve stem, the valve shall be closed and the gland nut tightened.

If this action does not stop the leak, the use of the cylinder shall be discontinued, and it shall be properly tagged and removed from the work area. In the event that fuel gas should leak from the cylinder valve, rather than from the valve stem, and the gas cannot be shut off, the cylinder shall be properly tagged and removed from the work area.

If a regulator attached to a cylinder valve will effectively stop a leak through the valve seat, the cylinder need not be removed from the work area.1926.350(d)(6) If a leak should develop at a fuse plug or other safety device, the cylinder shall be removed from the work area.1926.350(e) Fuel gas and oxygen manifolds,1926.350(e)(1) Fuel gas and oxygen manifolds shall bear the name of the substance they contain in letters at least 1-inch high which shall be either painted on the manifold or on a sign permanently attached to it.1926.350(e)(2) Fuel gas and oxygen manifolds shall be placed in safe, well ventilated, and accessible locations.

They shall not be located within enclosed spaces.1926.350(e)(3) Manifold hose connections, including both ends of the supply hose that lead to the manifold, shall be such that the hose cannot be interchanged between fuel gas and oxygen manifolds and supply header connections. Adapters shall not be used to permit the interchange of hose.

Hose connections shall be kept free of grease and oil.1926.350(e)(4) When not in use, manifold and header hose connections shall be capped.1926.350(e)(5) Nothing shall be placed on top of a manifold, when in use, which will damage the manifold or interfere with the quick closing of the valves.1926.350(f)(1) Fuel gas hose and oxygen hose shall be easily distinguishable from each other.

1. The contrast may be made by different colors or by surface characteristics readily distinguishable by the sense of touch.
2. Oxygen and fuel gas hoses shall not be interchangeable.
3. A single hose having more than one gas passage shall not be used.1926.350(f)(2) When parallel sections of oxygen and fuel gas hose are taped together, not more than 4 inches out of 12 inches shall be covered by tape.1926.350(f)(3) All hose in use, carrying acetylene, oxygen, natural or manufactured fuel gas, or any gas or substance which may ignite or enter into combustion, or be in any way harmful to employees, shall be inspected at the beginning of each working shift.

Defective hose shall be removed from service.1926.350(f)(4) Hose which has been subject to flashback, or which shows evidence of severe wear or damage, shall be tested to twice the normal pressure to which it is subject, but in no case less than 300 p.s.i.

Defective hose, or hose in doubtful condition, shall not be used.1926.350(f)(5) Hose couplings shall be of the type that cannot be unlocked or disconnected by means of a straight pull without rotary motion.1926.350(f)(6) Boxes used for the storage of gas hose shall be ventilated.1926.350(f)(7) Hoses, cables, and other equipment shall be kept clear of passageways, ladders and stairs.1926.350(g)(1) Clogged torch tip openings shall be cleaned with suitable cleaning wires, drills, or other devices designed for such purpose.1926.350(g)(2) Torches in use shall be inspected at the beginning of each working shift for leaking shutoff valves, hose couplings, and tip connections.

Defective torches shall not be used.1926.350(g)(3) Torches shall be lighted by friction lighters or other approved devices, and not by matches or from hot work.1926.350(h) Regulators and gauges, Oxygen and fuel gas pressure regulators, including their related gauges, shall be in proper working order while in use.1926.350(i) Oil and grease hazards,

1. Oxygen cylinders and fittings shall be kept away from oil or grease.
2. Cylinders, cylinder caps and valves, couplings, regulators, hose, and apparatus shall be kept free from oil or greasy substances and shall not be handled with oily hands or gloves.
3. Oxygen shall not be directed at oily surfaces, greasy clothes, or within a fuel oil or other storage tank or vessel.1926.350(j) Additional rules,

For additional details not covered in this subpart, applicable technical portions of American National Standards Institute, Z49.1-1967, Safety in Welding and Cutting, shall apply.

What is the minimum distance between oxygen and acetylene?

It specifies that there is a minimum distance between oxygen and acetylene cylinders which is required. Class 2.1 flammable gases (acetylene) and Class 2.2 non-flammable oxidising gases (oxygen) must be stored at least 3 metres apart (more information on the classification of gases can be found here).

What is the safest way to store filled oxygen and acetylene tanks when not in use?

If stored inside, store in a cool, well ventilated and noncombustible place away from all possible sources of ignition. Cylinders should be properly secured and always be used, transported or stored in a vertical position and never dropped or jarred.

What is the first step in transporting a cylinder?

How to Safely Transport Cylinder Gases Propane and butane are two regularly used Cylinder Gases. Mainly used for the purpose of fueling, they are both flammable and because of that, the use of both of these Cylinder Gases comes with some risk. A portion of that risk involves the transport of these gases.

• If handled improperly, fires could be the result.
• The easiest way to avoid potential accidents is to hire a professional gas transport company to move the cylinders for you.
• There are many vendors on the local and national level with experience in handling gases.
• Even so, it’s important to know the ins and outs of transporting gas cylinders like the back of your hand.

Read on for some helpful tips on how to properly handle your own gas cylinders. The first step to safe gas transport is to make sure you have the proper materials to do so. Make sure you’re transporting the cylinders in an open air trailer or truck bed to give the driver some added security. Sometimes it feels difficult to give extra time and attention to the task of transporting gas cylinders, but going the extra mile can help you avoid potential mishaps. Make sure you’re not transporting too many cylinders at once. The more cylinders you are moving, the larger a potential accident could be if one does occur.

1. Also take care to label each cylinder and keep objects away from them that could hit them in any way.
2. Make sure to triple check the security of your cylinders before transport.
3. Ensure every valve is tightened and all your transport equipment is secure.
4. A few extra minutes of safety inspection could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

It can be easy to transport gas cylinders safely, as long as you have the right strategy in place. : How to Safely Transport Cylinder Gases

How are gas cylinders safely stored?

What should I do when storing compressed gas cylinders? – Back to top

Check your jurisdiction for specific requirements, such as the fire code for guidelines regarding the storage of flammable gas cylinders. Store cylinders in a clearly identified, dry, well-ventilated storage area that is not exposed to heat or the direct rays of the sun, and away from doorways, aisles, elevators, gangways, and stairs. The temperature of the storage area should not be above 51.7°(125°F) Post “no smoking” signs in the area. Store cylinders, both empty and full, in the upright position and secure with an insulated chain or non-conductive belt to protect cylinders from falling or becoming damaged. During storage, close the cylinder valves with the protective caps in place. With outside storage, place on a fireproof surface and enclose in a tamper-proof enclosure. Protect cylinders from contact with ground, ice, snow, water, salt, corrosion, and high temperatures. Protect cylinders from falling. Consider securing each cylinder separately to prevent other cylinders from falling when items are removed from storage. Store acetylene and liquefied gas cylinders valve end up. Close the valve, and keep the protective device in place. Store oxygen cylinders and fuel gas cylinders separately. Indoors, separate oxygen from fuel gas cylinders by at least 6.1 m (20 ft), or by a wall at least 1.5 m (5 ft) high with a minimum half-hour fire resistance. (From: CSA W117.2-19 “Safety in welding, cutting and allied processes”. Local jurisdiction requirements may vary.) Cylinders must also be separated away from flammable and combustible liquids and from materials that easily ignite (such as wood, paper, oil, grease, etc.), including calcium carbide, by similar requirements as oxygen cylinders (6.1 m, or a fire wall at least 1.5 m high with ½ hr fire resistance). The building or room must be well ventilated. If oxygen cylinders are stored in an outdoor acetylene generator house, the cylinders must be separated from the generator and carbide storage room by a non-combustible barrier with a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour, that has no openings and is gas tight.

Note that when a single cylinder of oxygen and fuel gas are attached to a cylinder cart or secured to a wall or column at a workstation, this situation is not considered storage and the cylinders do not necessarily need to be separated by distance or a barrier.

How do you handle or transport compressed gas cylinders?

Gas Cylinder Handling – Cylinders that contain compressed gases are pressurised vessels which must be handled and stored in a way that reduces risk. Gas cylinders must always be kept in the upright position and restrained to avoid instability and damage. Moving gas cylinders around a job site can create additional risks to people and property, so it’s a safe option to use a gas bottle trolley.

Which method is used to collect oxygen gas?

A The method used for collecting oxygen gas is downward displacement of water. In this method the gas jar is filled with water and inverted over the beehive shelf so that the water is displaced downwards and oxygen is collected upwards.

What type of safety device is on the oxygen cylinder valve?

Burst discs – the ignored safety device Understanding pressure release devices in High Pressure Cylinders Author: Don Kinney, Owner Cylinder Training Services Cylinders are designed to trap gas under high pressure maximizing volume of the gas in a reduced space.

If temperatures are stable, the pressure within the cylinder should remain constant. However, if the temperature suddenly increases, the cylinder molecules move faster and increase the internal pressure of the cylinder. At some point, the internal pressure of the gas could exceed the tensile strength of the cylinder.

If the temperatures increase dramatically the stored gases could rupture the cylinder. The rapid release of the gas through a ruptured cylinder could have a drastic explosive effect, To prevent such an uncontrolled rupture some valves are designed with burst discs or pressure relief devices.

1. A burst/rupture disc is a feature installed on the valve of a cylinder allowing gas to escape in the event of a rapid expansion of the gas stored within a cylinder.
2. Since it is unlikely that someone will be around in the event of a fire to open the valve to vent the gas, something needs to allow the gas to escape prior to the cylinder rupturing.

There are different types and styles of burst discs and relief devices. Some are installed on the valves and others installed directly on the cylinder. Since there are so many options, based on the cylinder content, this article is going to focus on the burst disc.

1. The burst disc is designed with a metal disc weaker than the cylinder material, generally copper.
2. It is a one-time use device referred in CGA document S1.1 as a CG-1 (Compressed Gas Association).
3. Once it activates, all the gas within a cylinder escapes.
4. CG-1 burst disc devices are normally found on the valves of cylinders with contents such as Argon, air, oxygen, helium, nitrogen and carbon dioxide (to name just a few).

In some areas of the world, the valves do not come equipped with burst discs. The thought being that a dangerous gas may accidentally escape from a failing burst disc (European Industrial Gas association). In those areas, when a cylinder may be compromised, people just stand back waiting for the situation to become safe.

1. Some countries try releasing the gas via other means, such as weapons’ fire (Jan Horaa, 2015).
2. Without an installed burst disc, there is little a person can do to make a cylinder safe from rupturing when the cylinder contents expand beyond a safe limit.
3. A burst disc is designed to burst at the hydro test pressure of the cylinder in which the valve has been inserted.

The theory is that if the cylinder is safe from rupture at its test pressure, then that is the case under catastrophic conditions. The hydro test pressure is 5/3 of the stamped service pressure of the cylinder. Therefore, the burst disc should be tested to 5/3 the working pressure of the cylinder.

Another way to calculate the proper rating of the burst disc is to take the working pressure of the cylinder and multiply it by 1.66. The inspector or fill station technician should take care that the proper burst disc is inserted in the cylinder valve. There is a potential concern to be aware. Many valves are designed to be placed in different cylinders with different working pressures.

If you take a valve from a cylinder rated at 3000 psi, it should have a burst disc rated around 5000 psi (5/3 or 1.66 times the working pressure). Now, take that same valve, without replacing the the burst disc, and place it in a cylinder rated for 2400 psi.

• You now have a burst disc rated for 5000 psi when it should have rating of 4000 psi.
• In the event the gas within that cylinder expands there is a potential that the cylinder could rupture, causing damage, before the burst disc activates.
• Having the incorrect pressure rating on a burst disc is equivalent to not having a burst disc at all.

A similar concern can happen in reverse. You take a valve and burst disc rated for a 2400 psi cylinder (4000 psi rated burst disc) and place it into a cylinder with a working pressure of 3442 psi. This cylinder should have a burst disk rated at around 5700 psi.

• If this cylinder is exposed to a catastrophic event, the burst disc will likely rupture far below the rated hydrostatic test pressure, ensuring the gas escapes.
• However, during normal use or filling, the burst disc is exposed to pressures near its maximum tolerance levels.
• The burst disc may rupture pre-maturely during a normal filling operation.

The decibel level of the escaping gas could place the fill station technician in a deafening environment. There is also the concern that the rapidly escaping gas can cause the cylinder to move or fall over, creating additional dangers. Since the burst disc is a safety device how often do you replace the device? The only reference in CGA S1.1 is regarding relief devices (CG-7 devices).

• CG-7 devices need to be requalified or tested 10 years from date of manufacture or documented rebuild.
• When reviewing information on Burst discs (CG-1 devices) the only reference involves checking for proper operation during the filling process.
• Whether it’s the CGA, EIGA or Asian Industrial Gas Association (AIGA) none of the recommendations state a specified replacement schedule.

The regulations recommend checking the device for obvious impingements or damage which would prevent the device from working properly. But there is no current mandate for replacing a CG-1 burst disc within a specific time frame. Another concern is knowing if the safety device activated properly.

1. I received a call referencing a consultation regarding a cylinder that was involved in a fire.
2. The cylinder was located in a vehicle that was fully engulfed.
3. After the fire was put out the responders could see the charred cylinders in their storage units.
4. The responders understood that since the cylinders were exposed to fire, their structural integrity was weakened.

They preferred to remain safe and wanted to know if the burst disc activated and allowed the pressurized gas to escape. They asked me how they would know if the burst disc activated correctly. Sadly, due to the design of many burst discs, there is no way to tell if the disc activated properly.

• Unless someone witnesses the sudden release of the gas, there is no way to tell the disc activated without checking the valve or removing the disc.
• In such a situation, knowing that the cylinder was exposed to fire, I recommended the cylinder be shot with the appropriate weapon/ammunition.
• It just so happened that one cylinder’s burst disc did not activate, and the cylinder ruptured after being shot.

The burst disc is designed to release gas when over-pressurization occurs, but as with all safety devices, there are no absolute guarantees. Without a burst disc, gases within a cylinder have the potential of expanding beyond the safe working limits of a steel, aluminum or composite cylinder.

• The cylinder should be fitted with a proper valve, and the proper burst disc should be inserted within that valve based on the working pressure of the cylinder.
• Since many valves and cylinders are universal in size, it is important that during filling or external inspections, the burst disc pressure has been verified for the specific cylinder.

The burst discs should also be inspected for obvious signs of abuse or corrosion and changed when needed. Doing everything possible to ensure a properly working burst disc is a major step in helping to maintain cylinder safety. Compressed Gas Association.

Jack Gloop