Overview
Other Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety Concern
- This citation is a catch-all for anything that does not fit in checklist items GAS01 through GAS04.
One example of a citation under GAS05 are anaerobic chambers as shown in the image. These are used to manipulate organisms under an oxygen-deficient environment. Sometimes they use a hydrogen gas mixture to create the oxygen-deficient atmosphere. If they use 5% hydrogen, there should be a detector in the chamber and no sources of sparks in the cabinet. If hydrogen is used, it should be purchased in a pre-mixed state of 5% or less. If the lab is attempting to mix their own by feeding separate cylinders of gases, one of which is hydrogen, immediately contact a Senior Specialist since this could be an explosion hazard.
Another example are cylinders attached to any piece of equipment or apparatus that does not look like it was made by a manufacturer.
Yet another example are regulators/cylinder valves that have been closed in the wrong sequence. Cylinder valves are to be turned off first and then all pressure to the regulator bled off. The only time a regulator is to be under pressure is when it is in use.
Another example of where this checklist item may be cited is for alarming gas sensors. Different types of sensors are shown on the photos provided. There may be other types on campus. These sensors can be from several different manufacturers, models, and can detect single or multiple gases. If one is found, note the manufacturer, model, and what it is detecting back to the Senior Specialist. This information is also annotated in EHSA under the room hazards.
In all cases, document the gas(es) used and the purpose for which it is being used. In the case of laboratory made equipment, take pictures of it for evaluation by the Specialist. If there are problems either in the case of an anaerobic chamber or lab designed equipment, it will result in a citation under this inspection item.