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• Read the label on all cylinders or containers before use to identify their contents. If the label is illegible or missing, do not make assumptions about it contents. Return the cylinder to your supplier. Also, never rely on the cylinder color or type of CGA valve to identify its contents since neither is a definitive indicator of the cylinder contents.

• Observe all warnings and safety precautions set forth on the cylinder label. If more information is needed, consult the MSDS sheets or other recommended literature.

• Never remove the protective valve cap until the cylinder is secured and ready for use. Cylinders should be securely chained or placed in storage racks when not being moved. Hazardous gases, in particular, should be used only in specially designed gas cabinets.

• Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its protective valve cap. Also, devices like electromagnets should not be used to lift cylinders.

• Always use a recommended pressure-reducing regulator when withdrawing any gaseous product from a cylinder or other high-pressure source. Many Industrial and Specialty Gases require specially engineered regulators to ensure the integrity of the gas and the safety of its use. To minimize the chance of injury, stand to one side of the regulator (away from the discharge side) when opening the cylinder valve.

• Never use an adaptor to connect a regulator to a cylinder valve having a different fitting. Specific valve outlet connections have been designed for most gases to prevent their misuse or contamination. For more in formation, see the pamphlet V-1 published by the Compressed Gas Association (CGA)/ American National Standards Institute (ANSI) titled “Compressed Cylinder Outlet and Inlet Connections.”

• Never attempt to transfer any gas from one cylinder to another or mix any gases in a cylinder.

• Containers of liquefied compressed gases must be kept in an upright position and secured to prevent them from being knocked over. For certain products which are liquid at ambient temperatures, like carbon dioxide, special cylinders having dip tubes on their vales allow for liquid withdrawal in the upright position. For gaseous withdrawal from these cylinders, only specially designed invertors that securely hold the cylinder should be used.

• Always use a cart when moving cylinders or liquefied gas containers. Do not roll cylinders even for short distances.

• When handling cryogenic liquids, always use properly designed safety equipment. Protective gloves, face shields and clothing can prevent contact burns or “frostbite”. Also, any piping or equipment that comes in contact with these extremely cold liquids should be designed for service at very low temperatures.

Safety Precautions

Industrial and Specialty Gases often present hazards that are not normally associated with the more commonly used gas products. Please remember the warning below when handling any of the Specialty Gas Products.

Some of these specific hazards associated with certain Industrial and Specialty Gas Products include the following:

• Flammable Gases Products which have the red Flammable Gas diamond-shaped label burn vigorously in the presence of air or other oxidizers and an ignition source. Under certain conditions and concentrations, violent explosions are possible
• Asphyxiant Gases Many gases can displace air in confined spaces, reducing the oxygen level needed to support life. Often this takes place with little or no warning (such as odor) and can overcome exposed personnel quickly.
• Cryogenic Liquids Cryogenic liquids can cause cold burns and tissue damage because of the extremely low temperatures of these products. Liquefied compressed gases can also cause cold burns because of the rapid evaporation of the liquid. Also, all cryogenic liquids produce large volumes of gas when they vaporize and can result in rapid pressure increases when confined.

 

Safety is of utmost importance to TWSCO. Many of our Industrial and Specialty Gas products have properties that can cause serious accidents, injuries or even death if proper precautions and safety practices are not followed. Before using any of our products, please consult the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), as well as other safety reference materials that may be available. When in doubt, please contact your local TWSCO Representative before using the product. Also it is important that only appropriate gas equipment be used with our products and that the instructions for operating this equipment are carefully followed.