When working with N2 or He gas cylinders:
1.)Strap it. Before removing the cap, a gas cylinder must be clamped to the bench or wall with gas cylinder clamps. Similarly, replace the cap before unstrapping the cylinder from the clamp.
2.)Cap it. Never, move a gas cylinder without the cap in place. The cylinder weighs 100 kg, heavy enough that it can break the valve off the top if it falls over. If the valve breaks off, the cylinder will become a 100 kg rocket that will go through concrete walls. Some gas cylinders now come with “halo” type caps that do not need to be removed before attaching the regulator.
3.)Use a cart. Always use a 2 or 4-wheeled cart (can be signed out from Stores) to move gas cylinders.
4.)Attach a regulator. With the pressure regulator valve turn of zero pressure (full counterclockwise) and the outlet valve to off, attach the pressure regulator to the gas cylinder. Slowly open the gas cylinder’s valve, then use soapy water to check for leaks.
2.)Starting.
(i)First make sure that the outlet and pressure regulator valves are closed (turned counterclockwise until resistance almost disappears).
(ii)Open the gas cylinder valve, then use the pressure regulator valve to adjust the pressure to the desired pressure on the low pressure gauge.
(iii)Slowly open the outlet valve to allow pressure into the system.
3.)Finishing.
(i)The goal is to leave the system with no pressure and no backflow of air into the regulator. Close the gas cylinder valve, then crack open the outlet valve. Gradually reduce the pressure with the pressure regulator valve so that it reaches 0 psi on the low pressure gauge at the same time as 0 psi on the high pressure gauge.
(iii)Close the outlet valve.
4.)Don’t empty. Don't let gas cylinders go completely empty. There's another tank in stores - use that to replace the nearly empty one, then order another.
5.)If you have any problems or questions, please see:
Dr. BertiABB-458x23479
INTRODUCTION
This SOP describes the procedure for the use, storage and transporting of Gas cylinders and their regulators.
1.0Safety
The laboratory staff have received WHMIS training and complies with McMaster University safety guidelines. The laboratories are inspected by the Science Buildings Health and Safety Committee.
2.0Related documents
2.1Laboratory Safety Guidelines, Department of Chemistry
2.2Laboratory Safety Handbook, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering
2.3McMasterUniversity EOHSS Manual
2.4Gas Cylinder training as offered by EOHSS
2.5MSDS for gases
3.0definitions/abbreviations
Definition/Abbreviation / MeaningWHMIS
ABB
EOHSS
MSDS / Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
ArthurBournsBuilding
Environmental Occupational Health Support Services
Material Safety Data Sheets
4.0RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of the lab coordinator to ensure staff have received and follow appropriate gas cylinder training; have access to MSDS, personal protective equipment and approved laboratory equipment (cylinder carts, cylinder clamps, and gas regulators).
It is the responsibility of the laboratory coordinator and laboratory staff to ensure that proper procedures, equipment and work practices are observed in any lab space by themselves, teaching assistants and undergraduate students.
4.0procedure
1. Gas cylinder training as offered by EOHSS must be completed before any Undergraduate Lab worker may transport or use a gas cylinder.
2. Lab staff must receive individual hands on training from an experienced and properly trained coworker before working unassisted.
3.Always read the identification label on the cylinder. Never rely on colour coding.
4. Lab Staff must use a 4 wheeled gas cylinder cart to transport cylinders. Never move a cylinder without the safety cap on and never roll a cylinder, even for short distances
5. The number of cylinders stored in the laboratory must be kept to a minimum. Empty gas cylinders should be removed promptly from the laboratory and taken to the “Empty Cylinder” cage for return.
6. Check that cylinder clamp straps and buckles are in good condition before using. Remove and report faulty clamps to Lab coordinator.
7. All cylinders must be stored in an upright position and properly secured to a solid, supportive bench or table using a gas cylinder clamp or to a wall mounted cylinder clamp. Always check the strap has been properly threaded through the buckles by tugging it. Never leave a cylinder unsecured even for a moment.
8. Corrosive gas cylinders must be used within a fume hood. Cylinder clamps must be secured to racking able to support the cylinder. Toxic, flammable and corrosive gases should be stored outside the building in the appropriate cylinder cage.
9. Choose the right regulator with the correct pressure output range. Ask the lab coordinator or experienced lab personal if unsure. Check that the regulator is in good condition (all valves/knobs move freely; no obvious obstructions and threads on the cylinder and regulator are in good condition). Never modify a regulator or use one that has been altered.
10. Line the regulator up with the cylinder head. Thread the regulator until finger tight. The threads should move easily. If it does not, (due to cross threading) remove the regulator, realign the regulator and try again. Use a wrench to tighten the connection with a maximum of one turn. Do not use excessive force or over tighten the connection.
11. Check for leaks with a “Snoop”. Do not use Teflon tape on threaded connections in an effort to control a leak. Remove the regular and check the threads. If there is no visible defect reconnect the regulator and check for leaks again. If the problem persists, replace the regulator and remove the regulator from service.
12. All gases with the exception of He, N2, Ar, air, and small volumes of O2 should be vented into a fume hood.
55 psi can for the protein concentrator.