SOP - Compressed Gases

Description

This standard operating procedure outlines the handling and use of compressed gases. Compressed gases come in a large variety of sizes and pressures. Review this document and supply the information required in order to make it specific to your laboratory. In accordance with this document, laboratories should use appropriate controls, personal protective equipment, and disposal techniques when handling compressed gases.

A compressed gas is any mixture or material in a container with either an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70F or an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130F. Any liquid flammable material having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100F is also considered a compressed gas.

Potential Hazards

The large amount of potential energy contained in a compressed gas cylinder makes it a potential rocket or bomb if the pressure is released through rupture of the valve or container failure.

Compressed gases may also be toxic, flammable, or explosive – check the safety data sheet for more information. Safety considerations for these properties must also be followed.

Engineering Controls

Storage of compressed gas cylinders requires sturdy anchoring to a wall or cabinet, and/or a cylinder stand. If the process does not permit gas use and/or storage in well-ventilated areas (i.e., lab ventilation having a minimum of 6 air changes per hour), contact Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH) at (734) 647-1143 to determine the necessity of an oxygen-deficiency monitor or other alarm devices.

W==ork Practice Controls== All compressed gas cylinders shall be legibly marked by stenciling, stamping, or label with at least the chemical name or commonly accepted name of the material contained. In addition, cylinders should bear the approved markings of the Department of Transportation stamped in the metal at the top of the cylinder.

• Check connections and hoses near the cell culture room and the animal procedure room regularly for leaks using a specific monitoring instrument or soapy water (or equivalent). Some leaks can be heard/felt during use.
• Be sure that cylinders are properly labeled as full, in use, or empty.
• When using highly flammable or toxic gas, check the delivery system using an inert gas prior to introducing the hazardous gas.
• When using compressed acetylene: (i) do not exceed a working pressure of 15 psig, and (ii) do not use vessels, piping, or other materials that contain a significant amount of copper (usually considered to be more than 50% copper).
• Replace valve caps when cylinders are not in use or before moving.
• Remove damaged or defective cylinders from service (contact the cylinder vendor for assistance).
• Remove unused or empty cylinders from lab space. Replace them with full cylinders.
• Be sure to fully close cage lid before turning on CO2.
• Refer to the OSEH Compressed Gas Guideline or consult with your OSEH representative regarding maximum allowable quantities of compressed gases.

Restricted hazardous gas use must be approved by OSEH for purchase. Refer to the hazard guideline for compressed gas use on the OSEH website or contact your OSEH representative for more information. This form can be used to submit a request for approval of the purchase of a restricted gas.

Protective Equipment

Safety glasses must be worn for all work involving compressed gas cylinders. Cylinders must be secured to a gas cylinder mount, bracket, or clamp. These securing devices must be attached to a stable surface such as a permanent bench top or a wall.

Transportation and Storage

• Cylinders (full, in use, or empty) shall be secured by chains, straps, or other sturdy tie downs during storage and transport.
• Cylinders shall be grouped by type of gas, and the groups segregated as to compatibility.
• Full cylinders shall be separated from empty cylinders within the storage area.
• Flammable gases shall be separated from nonflammable gases by at least 20 feet.
• Cylinders shall not be stored at temperatures above 125 F. or in direct sunlight, or outside of the temperature range specified by the manufacturer.
• Cylinder valves shall be kept closed when not in use.
• Removable caps shall be kept on cylinders at all times, unless they are in use.
• Cylinders shall be protected against tampering and damage.
• Cylinders shall not be stored near combustible materials.
• Cylinders shall not be refilled except by authorized suppliers.
• Open flames and smoking shall not be permitted in areas where oxygen is used or stored. "No Smoking" and "No Open Flames" signs shall be conspicuously posted in these areas.
• Cylinders, except for those containing compressed air, shall not be used or stored in cold rooms or other unventilated enclosures. An exception may be approved by OSEH for inert gases when an oxygen monitor is in place.

Waste Disposal

In most cases, the compressed gas cylinder, including any unused gas, will be returned to the vendor from which the cylinder was purchased. Contact Occupational Safety and Environmental health (OSEH) Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) at 734-763-4568 to arrange for the removal of gas cylinders that cannot be returned to the supplier. Write “empty” on the outside of each cylinder and complete a hazardous waste manifest.

Exposures/Unintended Contact

 If the employee is in need of emergency medical attention, call 911 immediately.   

Contact OSEH for advice on symptoms of chemical exposure, or assistance in performing an exposure assessment.

Report all work related accidents, injuries, illnesses or exposures to WorkConnections within 24 hours by completing and submitting the Illness and Injury Report Form. Follow the directions on the WorkConnections website Forms Instructions to obtain proper medical treatment and follow-up.

Complete the OSEH Laboratory Incident and Near-Miss Report form.

TREATMENT FACILITIES:

U-M Occupational Health Services -- Campus Employees Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm After hours - go to UM Hospital Emergency Dept. – Urgent Care Clinic C380 Med Inn building 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8021

University Health Services -- University students (non-life threatening conditions)

Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 9 am – 12 pm Contact for current hours as they may vary 207 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8320

UMHS Emergency Department -- after clinic hours or on weekends

1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, (734) 936-6666 Click here for more information.

Release/Spill Procedure

Report all emergencies, suspicious activity, injuries, spills, and fires to the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) by calling 911 or texting 377911. Register with the University of Michigan Emergency Alert System via Wolverine Access.

Training of Personnel

All personnel are required to complete the General Laboratory Safety Training session (BLS025w or equivalent) via OSEH’s My LINC website. Furthermore, all personnel shall read and fully adhere to this SOP when handling and using compressed gases.

Certification

I have read and understand the above SOP. I agree to contact my Supervisor or Lab manager if I plan to modify this procedure. Sign by logging in and typing * ~~~~ in the list below: Prior Approval required – Is this procedure hazardous enough to warrant prior approval from the Laboratory Director? ☐ YES X NO Laboratory Director - Dave Bridges Revision Date - 2016-10-19