Accessibility statement

Safe use of gas cylinders

General rules and working practices

  • Use the smallest cylinder size appropriate for the work activity. This is particularly important when using flammable or toxic gases.
  • Eye protection should be worn when connecting regulators to cylinders
  • Approval must be given by the Safety Advisor before the purchase and use of all flammable or toxic gases
  • Cylinders of toxic, flammable, or reactive gases should, where practicable, be used in fume hoods
  • Hydrogen: Use of a hydrogen generator should always be considered first where possible. If a generator is not appropriate, the cylinder must be fitted with a gas detector linked to an automatic shut-off valve.  If not, this must be fully justified in the risk assessment for the work activity involving the use of hydrogen.
  • Do not expose cylinders to temperatures higher than 50°C. Some rupture devices on cylinders will release at about 65°C.
  • Never use a cylinder that cannot be positively identified. Do not rely on the colour of the cylinder to identify its contents
  • Never lubricate any part of the cylinder valve or equipment with oil or grease due to the risk of spontaneous combustion with high pressure gas
  • Do not loosen or remove the safety plug or rupture disc
  • Naked flames or other sources of ignition must are not permitted in the vicinity of a cylinder or pipeline outlet or in confined spaces where cylinders are used and stored
  • Keep cylinders containing liquefied gases upright. Note that it is often difficult to determine the contents of a cylinder containing liquefied gas, except by weighing. As long as a liquid is present, the cylinder or vapour pressure will remain constant. The cylinder pressure for liquefied carbon dioxide does provide an indication of cylinder content
  • 'Snifting' should not be carried out. This is when the valve is quickly opened and shut to remove dust and grit. To remove any material from the valve you should use a compressed air duster (whilst wearing eye protection), which can be purchased from Biology Stores
  • Care should be exercised when compressed air or gas is used to blow away dust or dirt, since the resultant flying particles are dangerous
  • If you store your cylinders outside you should wear gloves when you intend to move them during cold weather
  • Rapid release of a compressed gas will cause an unsecured gas hose to whip dangerously and also may build up a static charge which could ignite a combustible gas
  • Do not extinguish a flame involving a highly combustible gas until the source of gas has been shut off as it can re-ignite causing an explosion
  • When not in use, cylinder and bench valves should be closed tightly. Remove the regulators from empty cylinders and replace the protective caps
  • Do not keep cylinders filled with corrosive, explosive, or highly toxic gases for more than 6 months; do not keep cylinders with oxygen or liquids or flammable gases for more than 3 years