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Publication: February 2007. For information about changes, please see the Revision History.

Chapter 38: Compressed Gas Cylinders

Overview (1)

Compressed gas cylinders (CGCs) can present a variety of hazards, both because the cylinder may contain gas with hazardous properties and because the gas is under pressure. This chapter describes requirements for the purchase of gas in as well as the safe use, inspection, handling, transport, storage, and removal of CGCs. Requirements for CGCs owned by subcontractors are included.

Hazards/Impacts (1.1)

Potential hazards associated with malfunctioning CGCs include explosion, fire, and impact by uncontrolled cylinders. Hazards associated with particular gases and mixtures include fire, asphyxiation, poisoning, and exposure-related illnesses and injuries.

Scope (2)

The requirements of this chapter apply to all personnel who handle CGCs, including SLAC employees, users, and visitors, and to all facilities where CGCs are used and stored. All requirements, with the exception of purchasing and certain inspection procedures, also apply to subcontractors.

Because of the potential hazards associated with CGCs and their content, requirements set forth in Chapter 40, "Hazardous Materials", with regard to purchasing, inspection while in storage, handling, transport, and emergency response also apply to CGCs. Accordingly, Chapter 40 requirements are referenced throughout this chapter.

CGC types that this chapter applies to include lecture bottles and cylinders belonging to Department of Transportation (DOT) classification series 3A, 3AA, 4BA, 8AL, 3AL, 3E, and SP. (The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the United States government agency responsible for CGC safety regulations, including hazard labeling and hydrostatic testing and transportation requirements.) This chapter does not pertain to bulk gas storage systems, tube trailers, tankers, dewars, disposable cylinders, and fire extinguishers.

For requirements concerning cryogenic gases, see Chapter 36, "Cryogenic and Oxygen Deficiency Hazard Safety". For requirement concerning other types of pressurized containers, see Chapter 14, "Pressure and Vacuum Vessels".

Implementation (8)

The requirements of this chapter will become effective following the schedule in CGC: Implementation Plan [pdf].

continue to Standards (3)