Cylinder Safety - Linde BOC RAPTOR Operating Manual

2.3 Cylinder Safety

Back view of typical
cylinder valve
Ten Points about Cylinder Safety
1
Always read the labels and Safety Data Sheet
(SDS) before use.
2
Store cylinders upright and use in
well-ventilated, secure areas away from
pedestrian or vehicle thoroughfares.
3
Ensure cylinders are appropriately secured
and guarded against being knocked violently
or being allowed to fall.
4
Wear safety shoes, glasses and gloves when
handling, connecting and using cylinders.
5
Ensure cylinders are appropriately restrained
to mechanical lifting/handling devices prior
to movement.
6
Keep in a cool, well-ventilated area, away
from heat sources, sources of ignition and
combustible materials, especially flammable
gases.
7
Keep full and empty cylinders separate.
8
Keep ammonia-based leak detection
solutions, oil and grease away from cylinders
and valves.
9
Never use force when opening or closing
valves.
10
Never repaint or disguise markings and
damage on cylinders. If damaged, return
cylinders to BOC immediately.
6
1
Cylinder valve hand-wheel
2
Back-plug
3
Bursting disc
1
2
3
Operator wearing personal
protective equipment
(PPE) in safe position
Cylinder Valve Safety
When working with cylinders or operating
cylinder valves, ensure that you wear appropriate
protective clothing – gloves, boots and safety
glasses.
Ensure cylinder value is closed before moving or
disconnecting equipment.
Before operating a cylinder valve:
Ensure that the system you are connecting the
cylinder into is suitable for the gas and pressure
involved.
Cylinder valves should not be open unless a
pressure regulator has been fitted.
Ensure that any accessories (such as hoses
attached to the cylinder valve, or the system being
connected to) are securely connected. A hose, for
example, can potentially flail around dangerously
if it is accidentally pressurised when not restrained
at both ends.
Stand to the side of the cylinder so that neither
you nor anyone else is in line with the back of
the cylinder valve. This is in case a back-plug is
loose or a bursting disc vents. The correct stance is
shown in the diagram above.
When operating the cylinder valve
Open it by hand by turning the valve hand-wheel
anti-clockwise. Use only reasonable force.
Ensure that no gas is leaking from the cylinder
valve connection or the system to which the
cylinder is connected. DO NOT use ammonia-
based leak detection fluid as this can damage
the valve. Approved leak detection fluid, can be
obtained from a BOC Gas & Gear centre.
When finished with the cylinder, close the cylinder
valve by hand by turning the valve hand-wheel in
a clockwise direction. Use only reasonable force.
Remember NEVER tamper with the valve. If
you suspect the valve is damaged, DO NOT
use it. Report the issue to BOC and arrange
for the cylinder to be returned to BOC.