Section 408.40723. Cylinders generally.

(1) A chain, bracket, or other restraining device shall be used at all times to prevent cylinders from falling.

(2)   A cylinder shall stand valve end up at all times.

(3)   A cylinder shall not be dropped, dragged, rolled on its side, or struck violently.

(4)   When using a crane or hoisting device, a cylinder shall be lifted only by cradles or enclosed platforms. An electromagnet, hook, rope, or sling shall not be used.

(5)   A frozen or ice-clogged valve shall be thawed either by warm air or warm water and shall be dried before using. Boiling water or a flame shall not be used. Force shall not be applied to a valve or cap to loosen a cylinder frozen in place.

(6)    Gases shall not be mixed within a cylinder except by the supplier. Only the owner of the cylinder, if the owner is qualified, or a person trained, qualified, and authorized by the owner, shall refill a cylinder. The contents of a cylinder shall be used only for those purposes intended by the supplier.

(7)   A cylinder shall not be placed where it will become a part of the electrical circuit by accidental grounding or where it may be burned by an electric welding arc. A cylinder shall not be placed so that hot slag or flame can reach it unless the cylinder is protected by a fire-resistant shield. An electrode shall not be tapped against a cylinder to strike an arc.

(8)     A regulator, gauge, or hose shall not be interchangeable between fuel gas, oxidizing gas, or inert gas. Connections for compressed gas cylinders shall be as prescribed in American National Standard Institute Standard ANSI/ASA B57.1, 1965 edition, “Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections,” which is adopted by reference in R 408.40709.

(9)   A cylinder valve shall be opened slightly for an instant and then closed before connecting to a regulator or manifold to clear the valve of dust and dirt. The employee opening the valve shall stand to one side of the outlet, not in front of it. The employee shall not open the valve near a source of ignition. Pressure to a regulator shall be introduced by slowly opening the cylinder valve. An acetylene cylinder valve shall only be opened enough to allow proper working pressure, but shall not be opened more than 1 1/2 turns of the spindle.

(10)    Acetylene shall not be utilized or piped, except in cylinder manifolds, at a pressure in excess of 15 psig.

(11)   A cylinder to which a regulator is attached shall not be moved unless secured to a hand or powered truck designed or equipped for this purpose.

(12)   A cylinder valve must be closed in any of the following situations:

(a)   When moving the cylinder.

(b)     When  the  work   is  finished  or   is  left  unattended   during  the  lunch  period, overnight, or any other prolonged period.

(c)   When the cylinder is empty.

(d)  When the regulator is removed.

(13)   A cylinder without fixed handwheels shall have keys, handles, or nonadjustable wrenches on valve stems while in service. A multiple cylinder installation shall require only 1 key or handle for each manifold.

A hammer shall not be used to open a cylinder valve or loosen a cap.

(14)   A cylinder, whether full or empty, shall not be used as a roller or support.

(15)   A damaged or a leaking cylinder, a cylinder with a valve stuck open, or a valve in need of repair shall be taken outdoors away from sources of ignition, tagged with a warning sign, and the manufacturer or distributor notified. Complete removal of the stem from the cylinder valve shall be avoided.

(16)   Nothing shall be placed on top of the cylinder.

History: 1980 AACS; 2005 AACS; 2015 AACS.