Compressed gases are stored in heavy walled metal cylinders designed and tested for use with these gases. The cylinders come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Compressed gas cylinders must be connected to regulators and equipment designed specifically for the gas in the cylinder. Connecting to the wrong equipment can be
dangerous.
When discharging cylinders, remember the following best practices:
Never open a damaged valve.
Never use homemade adaptors or force connections between the cylinder valve outlet and the gas handling equipment. Contact your gas supplier, if you have questions about suitable gas handling equipment.
Do not lubricate cylinder valves, fittings, or torch threads or apply joint compound tape. If lubrication is needed, contact the supplier for their recommendations.
If cylinders valves are frozen, use only warm water to thaw the valve or safely transport the cylinder to a warm area to thaw at room temperature.
Use only recommended handwheels to open valves. Do not use pipe wrenches or similar tools on handwheels. These practices easily can damage the
valve.
Always open valves on discharge equipment slowly.
Do not use excessive force when opening cylinder valves. Use no more than three quarters of a turn if possible. This allows the valve to be closed quickly should problems arise.
Do not use excessive force when opening or closing cylinder valves. When closing a valve, turn it just enough to stop the gas flow completely. Never force the valves shut.
Always close the cylinder valve, when the cylinder is not in use.
