General Cylinder Safety

• Accept only properly identified cylinders.
• Wear safety equipment before beginning work.
• If a cylinder or valve is noticeably damaged, the vendor should be contacted for instructions.
• A leaking cylinder should be removed to a well-ventilated safe area.
• If the leak is at the junction of the cylinder valve and cylinder, do not try to repair. Contact the supplier.

Cylinder Use and Storage

• Leave cap on and valve closed when cylinder is not in use.
• When a cylinder is not connected to a system, the regulator should be removed and the cylinder should be capped.
• Store cylinders upright.
• Regulators should only be used for the gas for which they were designed and should not be interchanged.
• Never slide or roll the cylinder; never transport with the regulator in place; and secure the cylinder to a suitable hand truck or cart during transport.
• Properly secure cylinders in a well ventilated and protected area away from heat, flames and the sun.
• Segregated cylinders by hazard classes while in storage.
• Discontinue use of the cylinder when it has at least 25 psi remaining; close valve to prevent air and moisture from entering; return unused and empty cylinders to the vendor for reuse or refill.
• Mark or tag empty cylinders “EMPTY”. Separate empty and full cylinders during storage.

Practices to Avoid

• Do not purchase more or larger cylinders than necessary.
• Do not store flammable gases next to an exit or near oxygen cylinders.
• Do not use copper fittings or tubing on acetylene tanks.
• Do not allow oil or grease to contact cylinders or their valves, especially cylinders containing oxidizing gases.