Safety precautions for transporting compressed gases

What you'll learn in this article:

• A basic overview of compressed gas storage
• Tips and equipment to handle compressed gas safely
• Notes on loading, unloading, and storing compressed gas

Of the many goods trucks transport across America’s highways each day, some can take more care and handling than others for the safety of the truck, driver, and other cars on the road. Compressed gases are an example of one such product, making it critical that fleets understand how to transport it safely.

Compressed gases are stored at high pressure in a container, typically a cylinder. The pressure reduces the gas’ natural volume. Many industries — from manufacturing and construction to medicine and electronics — use compressed gases. Compression allows them to be transported and utilized in various applications, but safe handling, transporting, and storage are essential. 

Understanding the risks of mishandling these gases is the first step in learning how to safely transport them. 

Risks of mishandling compressed gases

Different gases come with various risks. For instance, acetylene and propane are flammable and asphyxiants, meaning they can cause suffocation. Argon and CO2 are also asphyxiants, while oxygen is an oxidizing agent. Oxidizing agents can cause fires, explosions, and health issues. 

Mishandling compressed gases such as these can cause the following hazards:

• Fire 
• Combustion
• Corrosion
• Explosion
• Poison exposure 
• Neurological damage 
• Hematological damage  
• Equipment destruction
• Respiratory issues 
• Skin irritation or burns
• Digestive damage
• Death

Tips for safely transporting compressed gases

Knowing how to handle compressed gases can keep both you and the general public safe. Follow these essential safety instructions when transporting them in your truck or commercial vehicle.

1. Read the label

All compressed gas cylinders should have a clearly legible label indicating the contents. Do not handle cylinders without them or that are marked “Contents unknown.” Some suppliers use color-coded labels, but this system can vary from supplier to supplier, so check for a written one as well.

2. Wear protective gear

Chlorine, ammonia, carbon dioxide and other gases are dangerous when inhaled or absorbed through your skin. Wear protective gloves, closed-toe shoes, a face shield and safety goggles when handling or moving compressed gas cylinders.

3. Keep fire extinguishing equipment nearby

If you’re transporting compressed gas cylinders, make sure your truck has fire extinguishing equipment in case of emergency. Regularly check and maintain your supply to ensure everything will function properly if needed. 

4. Transport cylinders vertically

When you’re not lifting or carrying them, make sure cylinders are standing vertically during transportation.

5. Notify your gas supplier of any issues

Keep emergency contact information handy while transporting compressed gas. You should notify your supplier if a cylinder is damaged or leaking. Do not attempt to move or handle a damaged one until you receive further instructions.

Loading and unloading compressed gases

If you are transporting compressed gas cylinders, it is important to know how to safely load and unload them. 

Make sure you use proper equipment and follow operational instructions. You should not drag, slide, or roll a cylinder. Instead, use a hand truck, cart, or crane. The cylinder should be secured to the transportation device before loading or unloading takes place. They should be moved one at a time unless you are using equipment that is designed to hold and transport several. 

You can lift a cylinder by placing both hands on the valve protection cap, but do not lift using the valve itself. Doing so can cause it to become unattached or damaged, which can result in an explosion. 

Practice proper lifting form when loading or unloading compressed gas cylinders. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs — rather than your back — to lift. This can protect you from personal injury and strain. It also reduces the likelihood that any cylinders will fall, striking the floor or one another, which can cause dangerous accidents.

Storing compressed gases

The cylinder itself is one of the main elements of storing compressed gases. They are available in varying shapes, sizes, and materials depending on their pressure and the types of gas they contain. Gas cylinders are 4’ tall and 75-80 lbs. on average. High-pressure cylinders are typically narrow and heavy, while lower-pressure versions are usually wider and lighter. Most are made out of aluminum or steel.  

When it comes to the storage site, keep these guidelines in mind:

1. Do not store cylinders near elevators, gangways, unprotected areas, or public spaces. If an area sees a lot of foot traffic or is used for moving heavy equipment, they could fall over and become damaged. 
2. Store cylinders away from heat sources, such as open flames, electrical circuits, or ignition sources.  
3. Always store gas cylinders with their valve protectors in place if not in use.
4. To prevent rust and corrosion, do not store cylinders directly on the ground.
5. Keep cylinders in a cool, dry, and ventilated environment. The temperature of your storage space should be below 125 degrees F for everyone’s safety.
6. Group cylinders of the same hazard class together and keep them away from different ones. Hazard classes indicate the possible risks of the gases inside the cylinder and include flammable, toxic, asphyxiant, corrosive, and oxidizer. 
7. Store empty cylinders away from full ones. 

The future of compressed gas management

Manufacturing companies are invested in finding the safest and most efficient transportation methods for compressed gases. This year, Noble Gas received an Approval in Principle certificate for its gas storage and delivery system. 

The system is lightweight and can transport high-pressure compressed gas. It features a polymer-lined tank with a protective external barrier. Noble Gas’s system represents a significant innovation for storing and transporting compressed gas because it has a failure mode that causes it to leak before bursting. This provides individuals with precious time to address safety issues and potentially avoid calamitous accidents. 

But even for those without advanced delivery systems, any individuals handling compressed gas cylinders or authorized to be in an area where they are present should be aware of potential hazards and how to initiate emergency protocol if needed. Following safety guidelines for transporting, handling, and storing these cylinders can ensure your and others’ safety.