Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed and liquefied gases have the potential for creating hazardous working environments. Mishandled cylinders may rupture violently, release their hazardous contents or become dangerous projectiles. If the neck on a pressurized cylinder should be accidentally broken off, the energy released would be sufficient to propel the cylinder over three-quarters of a mile in height. A standard 250 cubic foot cylinder pressurized to 2,500 PSIG can become a rocket, attaining a speed of over 30 miles an hour a fraction of a second after venting from the broken cylinder connection.
Compressed and liquefied gases are routinely used in laboratory and various other operations at Iowa State. Those who are involved with compressed gases should refer to our Gas Cylinder Safety Guidelines. These guidelines apply to all Iowa State University employees who use or otherwise handle compressed or liquefied gases, or systems that use compressed or liquefied gases. It is the intent of these guidelines to provide information on the safe usage of compressed and liquefied gases and afford employee protection from potential health and physical hazards associated with gas and cylinder usage. Iowa State promotes the safe use of gases by offering training and information on the proper storage, handling, usage, and disposal of gases and gas cylinders. Only trained and qualified personnel shall be allowed to use compressed and liquefied gases.
Training should include the associated hazards of the materials, necessary safety precautions, personal protective equipment, and emergency response procedures. Appropriate material safety data sheets, associated "Safetygrams™", or other gas supplier product information shall be made accessible to compressed gas users. Additional information is available via compressed gas cylinder training. Contact EH&S (294-5359) or Ames Laboratory ESH&A (294-2153) for information on the next scheduled class.
Additional Resources