Compressed Gas Cylinders

Under Pressure

In 2017, 5 occupational fatalities occurred due to the ignition of vapors, gases or liquid causing a fire or explosion. An additional 41 fatalities were due to the explosion of pressure vessels, piping or tires.  Compressed gas cylinders when constructed and maintained according to federal regulations may be considered safe for the purpose they’re intended. Accidents that occur during the transportation, handling, use, and storage of these containers can almost always be traced to a failure to follow requirements, abuse, or mishandling of these containers.  

Unsecured cylinders, cylinders stored without caps, and cylinders stored with hardware attached are some of the most common OSHA violations today. Good news, SafetyPlans.com covers the training, use, storage, and inspection of gas cylinders that will help you maintain a safe and compliant workplace!

• [1910.101] – Training
• [1910.101(a)] – Inspections of Compressed Gas Cylinders
• [1910.101(b)] – Use and Storage of Compressed Gas Cylinders

Does the Compressed Gas standard apply to me?

If you work with or near compressed gases…Definitely!  Under OSHA’s General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) employers are required to furnish each of their employees a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or physical harm.

More from OSHA's website:

Compressed Gas Cylinders Standard (29 CFR 1910.101) is a regulation that prescribes safeguards to protect workers against health hazards related to compressed gas cylinders. It has provisions for exposure control plans, engineering, work practice controls, hazard communication, training, and recordkeeping. The standard imposes requirements on employers of workers who may be exposed to working with compressed gas cylinders.