Hazard Sheet 6 Compressed Gases

Compressed Gasses
Cylinders containing compressed gases can represent a serious hazard to workers if not handled correctly. In the first instance they need to be
handled with care as if they are damaged they could release gas at high pressure and also result in the cylinder becoming a missile. In a similar
way the valves and gauges need to be checked periodically to ensure that they are fit for purpose and suitable for the application. An important
part of safety in the use of compressed gases is the need to ensure that they are labelled according to their contents.
Compressed gases supplied in cylinders for use on site are colour coded to provide a working guide as to their contents

Colour coding
All cylinders of compressed gases are required to be colour coded according to their contents. There are four basic colours that apply as
illustrated below.
Note: This may vary in different countries, local legal requirements must be followed.
GAS TYPE COLOUR CODE
INERT Bright Green
RAL 6018

OXIDISING Light Blue

RAL 5012

FLAMMABLE Red
RAL 3000

TOXIC/CORROSIVE Yellow
RAL 1018

Common specific gases

ACETYLENE Maroon
RAL 3009

OXYGEN White
RAL 9010

CARBON DIOXIDE Grey

RAL 7037

AMMONIA Yellow
RAL 1018

In cases where a cylinder of gas has two properties then the cylinder will have both colours where they apply.

Example of Labelling of compressed gases

All cylinders are required to be labelled as to their contents. Colour coding is only a guide

A - Company name
A G
B - Address of the company H I E
C - Risk and safety phrases relating to the product C
D - Hazard symbols
E - EEC label (for pure substances only)
F - Revision number
(gas company use to identify label revision)
G - EEC number, if applicable
Hazard_6 Issue 1

H - Product name
I - UN identification number and proper shipping name B J
(given by product name)
J - Any additional company information D

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 Hazard Sheet 6 Compressed Gases

Compressed Gasses Cont...

Typical hazards
„ impact from blast of gas under pressure
„ direct effects of the hazardous nature of the contents e.g.chlorine
„ fire in respect of flammable gases
„ impact from falling cylinders
„ manual handling injuries from the movement of cylinders.
„ leaking of gas from cylinders and potential build up of concentration of gas. e.g. oxygen enriched atmosphere in confined spaces.
„ poorly maintained hoses which leak as a result.
Control measures
„ store gas cylinders in a dry, safe place on a flat surface in the open air protecting the valves from the weather, or if necessary in a
building with good natural ventilation.
„ ensure that fuel gases are stored separately from oxygen (about 1m).
„ store cylinders in the upright position and securely to prevent item being knocked over.
„ use suitable cradles and slings for lifting cylinders when using a hoist or crane.
„ do not use valves, shrouds or caps unless they have been designed for use.
„ use cylinders in the vertical position and secure to prevent falling.
„ before connecting to pipe work check that installation is suitable.
„ do not drag or roll cylinders
„ ensure that valves are always closed after use and if used in confined space then remove equipment to open air.
„ check hoses for wear and damage and replace as necessary.
„ flashback arrestors shall be fitted to all cylinders containing fuel gases.
„ ensure good hose connections by using crimped fittings.
Propane and butane
Propane and butane are two liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) and have wide use. Propane is generally used for flame cutting and burning
and butane tends to be used for heating purposes. If not used carefully then serious incidents can result ranging from small burns or fires to
serious explosions. The vapours are also heavier than air and will collect therefore in drains, gullies and cellars, or other similar locations.
Both propane and butane when vapourised will produce a large volume of gas at normal temperature and pressure, 230 times for butane
and 270 times for propane. 1 litre of liquid propane therefore when vaporised will produce 270 litres of gas which when mixed with air at its
lowest explosive limit of 2% will produce 13,500 litres of flammable mixture.
The greater use of LPG is in non fixed installations and the control measures include ensuring that:
„ cylinders are kept in a well ventilated place such as the open air and away from any sources of ignition or heat.
„ cylinders are kept secure and upright.
„ combustible material is kept away from cylinders.
„ there is no smoking when changing cylinders.
„ flexible connections are in good order and are inspected periodically.
„ In the event that there is a leak then ventilate the area by opening all windows and doors.
„ that fire fighting equipment is readily accessible.
„ where cylinders are used for cooking / heating
the cylinders should be located in a safe place.
There should also be provided suitable supply of
fresh air to ensure that adequate combustion is
obtained.
Hazard_6 Issue 1

Fig 1 - Safe Storage of Flammable Gases

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