Question

Find out the precautions that are taken while handling and transporting LPG cylinders.
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Answer 1

Answer:

the main cylinder valves are turned off firmly (DO NOT over tighten) and plugged if possible.

cylinders are secure and in an upright position – not loose or lying down. ...

you transport LP Gas cylinders in vehicles with cargo areas open to the air like a ute or trailer.

Answer 2

Answer:

Compressed gas cylinders can be extremely hazardous when misused or abused. Compressed gas cylinders can present a variety of hazards due to their pressure and/or content.

Depending on the particular gas, there is a potential for simultaneous exposure to both mechanical and chemical hazards. Gases used maybe:

•    Flammable or combustible
•    Corrosive
•    Explosive
•    Poisonous
•    Inert
•    Acidic
•    Reactive
•    or a combination of hazards

​Without proper use and care compressed gas cylinders can explode killing workers and destroying equipment. Cylinders can also become flying projectiles when cylinder valves are damaged or broken off. Regulators can become bullets that tear through workers if safety precautions are not taken.

Careful procedures are necessary for handling the various compressed gases, cylinders, regulators or valves used to control gas flow, and the piping used to confine gases during flow. This booklet can be used as a guideline for the safe use of compressed gas.

Handling and Use

1. Before cylinders are first used the following precautions should be taken:

•    Make sure the cylinder is equipped with the correct regulator.
•    Inspect the regulator and cylinder valves for grease, oil, dirt, and solvent. Never use grease or oil to lubricate regulators or cylinder valves because they can cause an explosion.
•    The cylinder should be placed so that the valve handle at the top is easily accessible.
•    When using toxic or irritating gas, the valve should only be opened while the cylinder is in a
•    working fume hood.
•    Only use wrenches or tools that are provided by the cylinder supplier to open or close a valve. Pliers should never be used to open a cylinder valve. Some regulators require washers; this should be checked before the regulator is fitted.
•    Refer to Safety Data Sheet [SDS] for the gas being used for information regarding use and toxicity.
•    Fire extinguishing equipment should be readily available when combustible materials can be
•    exposed to welding or cutting operations using compressed cylinder gases.

2. Cylinder Storage

•    Gas cylinders must be secured at all times to prevent tipping.
•    Use appropriate material, such as chain, plastic coated wire cable, commercial straps, etc., to
•    secure cylinders.
•    Gas cylinders can not be stored in public hallways or other unprotected area
•    Cylinders must be segregated in hazard classes while in storage. Oxidizers (oxygen) must be separated from flammable gases, and empty cylinders must be isolated from filled cylinders.
•    The proper storage for oxygen cylinders requires that a minimum of 20 feet is maintained between flammable gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders or the storage area be separated, at a minimum, by a firewall five (5) feet high with a fire rating of 30 minutes.
•    Store out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat and ignition; temperatures must not exceed 125 F.
•    Acetylene cylinders must never be stored on their sides.
•    Always place valve protectors on gas cylinders when the cylinders are not connected for use.
•    Cylinders must be protected from damage. Do not store cylinders near elevators or gangways, or in locations where heavy-moving objects may strike or fall on them.
•    Cylinders must be stored where they are protected from the ground to prevent rusting. Cylinders should be protected against tampering by unauthorized individuals.
•    Storage areas must be well-ventilated, cool, dry, and free from corrosive materials.

3. Moving Cylinders

•    Never drag, slide or roll a cylinder; use a cylinder cart or basket.
•    Always have the protective cap covering the valve when transporting the cylinder.
•    Never transport the cylinder with the regulator in place.
•    Make sure the cylinder is secured to the cart before moving it.
•    Do not drop cylinders or strike them against each other or against other surfaces violently.
•    Do not use the valve cover to lift cylinders; they could be damaged and become unattached. If the cylinder is dropped on a hard surface it can cause an explosion.

Explanation: