Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Safety Tips In Handling Cylinder Valves

By Helene Norris


Because compressed gases are commonly stored in a tank with heavy walled metals, cylinder valves are needed to be able to regulate the pressure inside. Because the substances usually contained therein are highly explosive or flammable, proper care must be afforded in handling them. Here are some safety tips that should be followed.

One must be prepared at all times for emergencies and this includes having safety equipment located in strategic places. Firefighting instruments as well as first aid kit must be readily available and kept in places where they can be easily reached. There should also be personnel available that have been well trained on their usage.

To the very least, there should be a sufficient understanding on how these tanks work to be able to take the right steps in cases of leaking or disconnection. Each type for each gas requires a particular regulator and accessory equipment because if the wrong ones are used, accidents are more likely to result. However, standard outlets are readily available.

Local and state regulations are set to ensure that proper handling and storage are observed because of the high risks entailed with compressed gases. The storage area must not be near from combustible materials because of the high flammability properties of these elements. It must also be well ventilated and lighted and there must be an assigned are for each type.

Each kind of gas has different set of rules for there storage and handling and these should be particularly observed. A thorough familiarity and understanding are needed to prevent any risks of emergencies. The different properties pertaining to a type of gas are the bases for a particular intervention applicable in each case.

Proper protection should also include the use of personal equipment which need to be always worn and these include safety shoes, glasses and gloves. During transportation, trucks or carts designed particularly according to standards must also be used to suit the tank type. Use both hands to be able to properly secure upon moving to avoid falling or dropping.

The valve cap which is usually place for protection should only be removed when the cylinder has already be properly secured upon the first use. Damaged thread must be first checked as well as the presence of dirt, grease and oil which could be cleaned with a cloth. However, if these substances are present in tanks containing oxygen or oxidants, never attempt to open them to avoid the substances form contacting the explosive elements.

The fittings must all be properly placed and a single connection valve is way safer even though it has been designed for different gases. Never apply heating devices because overheating might rupture the equipment of the tanks. Arrange the store room so that the old stocks would be the first to be sold out or used.

Cylinder valves are very much needed in the right regulation of the inside pressure of compressed gases. They are being held by the force inside depending on the kind of gas contained therein. They will open in case the pressure exceeds the limit, releasing the gas inside until the safe limit is reached.




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