Safe Handling Of Gas Cylinders - PerkinElmer aanalyst 200 User Manual

Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders

Gases commonly used with the AAnalyst 200 include acetylene, nitrous oxide, argon and
nitrogen. The major hazard associated with these gases is suffocation. This can occur if the gas is
allowed to escape in an enclosed area and displaces the oxygen in the air.
WARNING
NOTE: The permanent installation of gas supplies is the responsibility of the user and should conform to
local safety and building codes.
If liquid nitrogen is used, the gas cylinder must be fitted with an over-pressure regulator, which
will vent the cylinder as necessary to prevent it from becoming a safety hazard.
Listed below are some general safety practices for the proper identification, storage, and handling
of gas cylinders. Consult the following references for more detailed information and additional
guidelines.
•
Compressed Gas Association (USA), "Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in
Containers," pamphlet no. P-1, 1984.
•
Compressed Gas Association (USA), "The Inert Gases – Argon, Nitrogen and Helium,"
pamphlet no. P-9, 1992.
Identification of Gas Cylinders
•
Legibly mark cylinders to identify their contents. Use the chemical name or commercially
accepted name for the gas.
Storing Cylinders
Review the following precautions to ensure the safe use and storage of gas cylinders.
•
Cylinders should be stored in accordance with the regulations and standards applicable to
the customer's locality, state, and country.
•
When cylinders are stored indoors in storage rooms, the storage room should be well
ventilated and dry. Ensure that the ventilation is adequate to prevent the formation of
dangerous accumulations of gas. This is particularly important in small or confined areas.
•
Do not store cylinders near elevators, gangways, or in locations where heavy moving
objects may strike or fall against them.
Contact the gas supplier for a material safety data sheet (MSDS) containing
detailed information on the potential hazards associated with the gas.
Carefully use, store, and handle compressed gases in cylinders. Gas cylinders
can be hazardous if they are mishandled.
AAnalyst 200 User's Guide
2-15