Facilities & Safety Operations

Compressed gas and gas accessories are typically purchased through Linde (formerly Praxair). To order, first set up a Linde Express online account by contacting:

Keith_Alexander@linde.com

Then you will be able to place orders and manage your account using this link.

• Avoid over purchasing! Only order an amount that you will reasonably need or schedule regular deliveries.
• Request that gas be delivered directly to your lab.
• Have a lab member present for cylinder delivery and visually inspect it before while receiving. Any cylinder with any of the following signs of deterioration should not be used and flagged to the supplier:
  • Cuts
  • Burn marks
  • Corrosion
  • Dents 
• Immediately secure any cylinder under appropriate storage conditions.
• Update your Lab Hazard Inventory to reflect the compressed gas contents in your lab.

Principal investigators are required to store cylinders appropriately in their lab, update their online Hazard Inventory to reflect any changes to compressed gas in the lab, updated their door signs and make the SDS available in their lab. All compressed gas cylinders must be stored according to the following guidelines:

• Store compressed gas cylinders in a cool, dry area, away from incompatible materials, sparks, flames, or excessive heat.
• Toxic, corrosive, pyrophoric gases are to be stored in a ventilated gas cabinet. Inform the FAS Safety Team if planning experiments with toxic, corrosive or pyrophoric gases by sending an email to fas_safety@sfu.ca.
• Flammable gases and oxidizing gases must be stored in separate locations or separated by a minimum of 20 feet.
• Protect cylinders from sources of potential physical damage, electrical contact or corrosion (e.g., moisture, salt, acids or chemical fumes).
• Cylinders must be stored in an upright position, attached to a wall, fixed furniture or within a cylinder storage rack. Do not use bench clamps or straps and fasteners that rely on friction to secure a cylinder, as they are not expected to resist a seismic event.
• Laboratory cylinders less than 46 cm (18 inches) tall should be placed in approved stands, wall brackets, cylinder racks or cabinets.
• Two restrains must be used for each cylinder: one placed at 1/3 from the top and the other placed at 1/3 from the bottom.
• All restraints must be non-combustible (such as chains).
• Keep valve protection cap in place (for cylinders designed to accept a cap) when cylinder is being stored.
• Do not leave a regulator on an empty cylinder, close the cylinder, remove the regulator and place the cap as soon as possible.
• Identify empty gas cylinders with an “EMPTY” tag and keep separate from full cylinders.
• Never store cylinders in any exit or corridor providing access to exits; under any fire escape, outside exit stairs, passage or ramp; or within 1 m of any exit or electrical panel.

In labs, cylinder storage is limited to a single cylinder as a backup for a cylinder “in use”. Compressed gas cylinders are considered to be “in use” if connected to a regulator or a manifold for delivering gas. Any other cylinder is considered to be in “storage”.

Please contact fas_safety@sfu.ca if more than one cylinder of flammable gas is required in a lab space or toxic, corrosive or pyrophoric gases are required in a lab space.

• A Cylinder cart should be used to transport compressed gas cylinders over 18 inches. Cylinders should be strapped onto the cart while the cart is upright. The cart and cylinder should be tipped together into the rolling position. 
• Steel toe boots or toe covers (over shoes) should be worn any time gas is being moved.
• Always place a cylinder cap (if required by cylinder type) before moving. Do not remove cap until secured.
• Avoid moving cylinders alone. If there is no one available to move a cylinder with you, inform someone of the activity and regularly check-in.
• Never roll, drag or drop compressed gas cylinders.
• Take care not to let cylinders bump into each other.
• Never try to catch a falling cylinder.

To use compressed gas, it must be connected to an appropriate gas delivery system including a pressure regulator. Pressure regulators reduce the high pressure of the gas in the cylinder to a usable level.

• Unless specified by the manufacturer, do not use lubricant or Teflon® tape on cylinder valves, fittings or regulators.
  • Lubricant may react with some gases (e.g., oxygen) 
  • Teflon® tape may cause the threads to spread and weaken, and bits of tape can plug up lines, increasing the likelihood of leaks.
• PPE should be worn when connecting and removing cylinders from gas delivery systems and may vary based on the type of gas. Always consult the SDS to determine the appropriate PPE.
  • Eye protection should be worn AT ALL TIMES when working with compressed gas.
  • Face shields can be used when working with gases that are harmful to skin
  • A lab coat/apron can be used when working with gases that are harmful to skin
  • Gloves can be used when working with gases that are harmful to skin
  • A respirator should be worn when working with gases that pose an inhalation hazard.
• Only use regulators which are compatible with the specific gas cylinder.
• Label gas equipment in the lab to prevent accidental mixing of incompatible gases.
• Never drop or strike a gas regulator.
• Inspect regulators each time before use. Do not use any regulator which shows visible signs of damage or which is known to have suffered an impact.
• Stand to the side of the regulator when connecting a regulator and opening the cylinder. Do not stand in front of the pressure adjustment knob when connecting a regulator.
• Leak tests should be conducted each time a new cylinder is connected to a regulator system. If a regulator is connected to the same cylinder for extended periods of time, leak tests should be conducted at regular intervals.
• Instructions for connecting a regulator available here.

• Cylinders should not be drained completely, but rather have a minimum 50 psi pressure remaining, to reduce the possibility of environmental contaminants entering the vessel.
• For cylinders that can be returned to the vendor: attach an EMPTY tag to the cylinder, ensure the original supplier label is visible.