The industrial, medical, and specialty gas and supply Tulsa market offers various types of gases for different uses. Welding supplies are the most sought after gas supplies. The demand for welding gases and welding gas refills is high because over 50% of the products manufactured in America need some gas welding. Medical use gases are also a major part of the gas and supply Tulsa market. This category of gases is used in different medical procedures.
Some of these gases pose a significant safety threat when they’re handled, transported, stored, or used in an improper manner. This article provides you with tips on ideal handling and transportation of gas cylinders aimed at averting risks associated with asphyxiation, fires, toxicity, and explosions.
Safe handling and transportation practices for gas cylinders
1. Use special cylinder handling equipment
Class G or F cylinders are heavy, bulky, and challenging to handle. These sizes of cylinders need special equipment and caution when handling them to prevent tipping or falling over. Instead of dragging or rolling gas cylinders, use the recommended mechanical handling devices. Use restraining straps to secure your cylinders in an upright position on cylinder carts or hand trucks. Size E or larger than size E cylinders, and cylinders without handles should be handled using mechanical assistance.
2. Seek training on how to handle gas cylinders
All regular gas cylinder handlers should undergo some basic training on how to handle gas cylinders. Also, they have to be conversant with safe working procedures that relate to the handling and transportation of gas cylinders.
3. Use personal protection equipment from your safety supply
It’s advisable to wear gloves, safety glasses, and ideal footwear for work when handling and transporting cylinders. Proper gear will help protect you in case of an accident, and it may help you to handle the cylinders well to avoid accidents.
4. Use cylinder valves and restraints well
Install the cylinder valve protection caps and guards well when the cylinder isn’t in use. Use proper restraints for gas cylinders when handling them using equipment such as carts to prevent shaking, moving, or falling. But avoid restraining the cylinders around their valves or necks. Instead, restrain the cylinders mid-way around their main bodies.
5. Use lifts to transport cylinders between floors
Transporting gas cylinders up and down storied buildings should be done on lifts. The cylinders should be fastened to the lift’s handrail, and no one should be on the lift during transportation. Ideally, include a sign on the lift’s door to prevent any lift users from getting in.
6. Transport gas cylinders across sites on an open back utility
Cylinders should be transported in a separate utility back canopy, which is not linked to the vehicle’s main body. You should fasten your cylinders to the canopy’s chassis in an upright position during transportation to prevent falling, tipping, or rolling. You should remove the gas cylinders from the vehicle once they reach their destination. Once delivered, leave the gas cylinders to settle before they’re used. Avoid transporting gas cylinders in the passenger compartments of vehicles regardless of their size.
7. Know the kind of gas and cylinder you’re handling
Cylinder labels contain crucial information on the contents of each gas cylinder. These labels help you to learn the different hazards and properties of the gases that you’re carrying. If the labels of a cylinder are missing or unreadable, you should not transport or use that cylinder. Instead, reach out to your gas and supply Tulsa supplier for more help.
8. Verify the safe status of your gas cylinders
You should check the gas cylinders for any signs of discoloration, or heat and impact damage before handling or transporting them. Check with extreme caution and if you detect significant damage avoid any further handling or movement of the cylinders. Instead, contact your gas and supply Tulsa service provider for further help and repair services.
Safety is paramount in handling industrial, medical, and specialty gases because they can be flammable, toxic, or asphyxiating. Therefore, if more sophisticated handling and transportation of gas cylinders is required, always contact your gas and supply Tulsa service provider.