2.2.7 Gas Cylinders

2.2.7 Gas Cylinders

The gas cylinder pound for the SGDB is located outside, adjacent to the carpark on level one.

Gases with potential risks other than from the high pressure nature of the container are covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH 2002) Regulations.

  • Do not use a gas cylinder unless its contents are clearly labelled.
  • Cylinders must always be firmly fixed or supported by means of chains straps or stands or in anaesthetic machines.
  • Never use cylinders near heaters or in direct sunlight: do not use metal hammers to secure or loosen the pressure regulator.
  • Never oil or grease cylinder valves, gauges or regulators
  • When operating cylinders, open the valve slowly at first to prevent gas being emitted at high pressure. Do not over-tighten valves.
  • Gas cylinders must always be transported in a correct cylinder trolley. Never drop a cylinder. Any damaged cylinders must be labelled with the name and address of the department and the fault if known and the Chief Technician notified at once.
  • Never test for gas leaks with a naked flame, use detergent solutions.
  • Empty cylinders are indicated by the absence of the seal but 1/2 or 3/4 full cylinders should be left with the full cylinders in the cylinder pound and clearly labelled in chalk with the quantity remaining.
  • Never leave unused or empty cylinders in a laboratory.
  • Never use an oxygen cylinder in a room near a naked flame. N.B. Only a modest increase in the oxygen percentage of the room's atmosphere can increase the flammability of many materials to the extent that, for instance, electric sparks may ignite them.

Note : gas cylinders are charged a monthly rental fee. If you no longer use gas cylinders, check that they have been returned to avoid incurring expenses for unused cylinders.

A new standard (BS EN 1089-3) (2004) governing the colour coding of gas cylinders has come into force. As a result, some of the cylinders you receive have a new colour scheme. Comprehensive guidelines have been provided by BOC on cylinder colour changes. Alternatively, you can download  cylinder colour changes BOC guidelines pdf file