The following practices apply to high pressure gaseous and liquefied compressed gases. Additional precautions may be necessary for corrosive, toxic, flammable, pyrophoric, oxidant or radio-active gases.

1. Compressed gases should only be handled by properly instructed persons.
2. All local regulations and requirements should be observed regarding storage and use of cylinders.
3. Identification labels, supplied by the manufacturer, should never be removed or defaced.
4. Confirm the identity of the gas before use.
5. Know and understand the properties and hazards of each gas before use.
6. Formulate plans to cover any emergency situations that may arise before using the gas.
7. If doubt exists as to the correct handling procedure for a particular gas, contact the supplier.

1. Cylinders should be stored in purpose built area, which is well ventilated and preferably in the open air.
2. The storage area should be free from fire risk and away from sources of heat and ignition. Smoking and the use of naked flames either inside or in the vicinity of the storage area should be prohibited.
3. Appropriate hazard warning signs should be displayed both inside and outside the store.
4. Cylinder caps should be left in place at all times and the cylinders secured to prevent toppling or rolling.
5. Cylinders stored in the open should be protected against rusting and extremes of weather.
6. Store full and empty cylinders separately and arrange full cylinders such that old stock is used first.
7. Segregate cylinders into various categories according to gas type.
8. Separate cylinders containing oxygen and other oxidants from flammable gases by a minimum of 25ft. or by a fire resistant partition.
9. Store the minimum amount required of flammable or toxic gases.
10. Store flammable gases away from other combustible material.
11. Periodically check cylinders for general condition and leakage.
12. Ensure that an adequate supply of water is available for fire-fighting, first aid or dilution of corrosive-material.
13. Before entering a storage area containing flammable or toxic gases, carry out tests with a suitable detector to determine whether flammable or toxic concentrations are present.

1. Wear gloves and safety glasses, goggles or a full-face shield.
2. Never lift a cylinder by its cap.
3. Always use a cylinder cart or other suitable means to transport cylinders.
4. Never remove the cylinder cap before a cylinder is secured from topping.
5. Where appropriate, have available self-contained breathing apparatus or a full-face air-line respirator in case of emergency.
6. Employ suitable pressure regulating devices on cylinders where gas is being admitted to systems with a pressure rating lower than the cylinder pressure.
7. Check for gas leaks with an appropriate leak detection method.
8. Ensure that a supply of water is available for fire-fighting, first aid and dilution of corrosive material.
9. Ensure that the complete gas system is suitable particularly with regard to pressure rating and materials of construction.
10. Ensure that back-feed from the system into the cylinder is prevented.
11. Never allow liquefied gas to become trapped in the system which could result in rupture on evaporation.
12. Establish that all electrical fittings are suitable for use with the gas.
13. Cylinders should never be subjected to heat to raise the pressure. The temperature of the cylinder should never exceed 130 degrees F.
14. Never transfer a gas from one cylinder to another.
15. Do not use cylinders as rollers or supports or for any purpose other than to contain the gas as supplied.
16. Never allow oil, grease or other combustible materials to come into contact with cylinder valves or other equipment used for oxygen or other oxidant gases.
17. Always keep cylinder valves clean and free from any contaminants.
18. Do not subject cylinders to abnormal mechanic shocks which may cause damage to their valves or safety devices.
19. Never attempt to repair, alter or change cylinder valves. Damaged valves should be immediately reported to the supplier.
20. Always close the cylinder valve when the gas is not required, even if still connected to the equipment.
21. Replace the cylinder cap as soon as the cylinder is disconnected from the equipment.

1. The cylinder decal or label is the only positive way to identify the gas contained in cylinder. Color coding of cylinders is an identification method used for the convenience of the cylinder gas supplier only.
2. Do not use cylinders as rollers for moving material or other equipment.
3. Never attempt to mix gases in a cylinder. Never transfer gases from one cylinder to another.
4. Never use oxygen as a substitute for compressed air.
5. No part of a cylinder should be subjected to a temperature above 130°F (54°C). Prevents sparks or flames from welding or cutting torches or any other source from coming in contact with cylinders. Do not permit cylinders to come in contact with electrical apparatus or circuits.
6. Use regulators and pressure relief devices when connecting cylinders to circuits of lower pressure service ratings. Only regulators approved for the specific gas should be used. Open cylinder valve before adjusting pressure on regulator.
7. Always open cylinder valve slowly.
8. Valves should be closed on cylinders and all pressure released from equipment connected to the cylinder at the end of a work shift or any time an extended nonuse period is anticipated.
9. Use check valves or traps to prevent backflow of water or other contaminants if backflow can occur into the cylinder. If backflow occurs, mark the cylinder CONTAMINATED. Notify the supplier immediately.
10. If a cylinder protective cap is extremely difficult to remove, do not apply excessive force or pry the cap loose with a bar inserted into the ventilation openings. Attach a label or tag to the cylinder identifying the problem and return the cylinder to the supplier.
11. Wrenches should not be used on valves equipped with a handwheel. If the valve is faulty, attach a label or tag to the cylinder identifying the problem and return the cylinder to the supplier.
12. Use only oxygen-compatible threading compounds such as Teflon tape on valve threads for oxygen service.
13. Use soapy water or approved explosimeters to detect flammable gas leaks.