Management of compressed gas cylinders is very dangerous because of the unusual characteristics some of them posses: storage under pressure, flammability, and many lack a distinguishable odor or color. Depending on the particular gas, there is a potential for simultaneous exposure to both physical and chemical hazards.

Improper handling, storage and use could lead to catastrophic events like:

• Oxygen depleted atmosphere
• Fires
• Adverse health effects or even death

A leaking compressed gas cylinder can penetrate through walls just like a torpedo and can cause structural damage, severe injury, and even death.

Cryogenic liquids can cause frostbite in addition to all the above mentioned hazards.

It is the policy of UAB that special precautions are taken to assure the safe use and storage of compressed gases and cryogenics in all areas of campus and the hospital to minimize the risk of injury from falling cylinders and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Environmental Health and Safety has developed new training, OHS200 Managing Compressed Gas Cylinders, to address special storage, use, and handling precautions necessary to control these hazards.

This training is required for anyone who handles, uses, and/or transports compressed gas cylinders or cryogenic liquids.
Learning Objectives include:

• Recognize the dangers associated with compressed gas cylinders by examining the labels on them and in the Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Identify the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to wear when working with different compressed gases
• Receive, use, handle, transport, store, dispose of, and maintain compressed gas cylinders according to regulatory standards and guidelines
• Design a plan to respond to a compressed gas emergency

However, this training only counts as partial training. Supervisors, Managers, and Principal Investigators (PIs) are responsible for providing the hands-on, day-to-day training for their staff.

The new training is available in the UAB Learning System: OHS200 Managing Compressed Gas Cylinders.