Unsafe Mixes Top Compressed Gas Violations

The following compressed gas violations were cited most frequently by OSHA: • Stored oxygen cylinders must be separated from fuel gas cylinders (596 violations). • Storage of cylinders inside buildings (310 violations). • Handling, storage,

The following compressed gas violations were cited most frequently by OSHA:

• Stored oxygen cylinders must be separated from fuel gas cylinders
• (596 violations).
• Storage of cylinders inside buildings (310 violations).
• Handling, storage and utilization (302 violations).
• Valve protection caps must be in place (167 violations).

Among the hazards associated with compressed gas cylinders are:

• High pressures inside the cylinders, which may turn these vessels into missiles if a valve breaks.
• The risk for fire or explosion when flammable gases such as acetylene are released and an ignition source is present.
• Violent reactions when chemically unstable gases such as acetylene or 1,3-butadiene are exposed to slight temperature changes or pressure increases.
• Asphyxiation when inert gases such as nitrogen displace oxygen to levels too low to sustain life.
• The potential for severe burns when workers are exposed to corrosive gases such as ammonia.