Standard criteria

① Cylinder storage

• The cylinder is to be stored with a fixed stand in a vertical position at a storage location.
  • Flammable and oxygen gas cylinders are not to be kept in the same location.
  • Ensure that the cylinders that must be placed horizontally cannot roll away.
  • Acetylene cylinders are not to be placed horizontally.
  • Ensure that the gas cylinder valve is firmly closed, and that the storage cap is in place.
  • Chains are to be used to ensure that cylinders do not topple over (cylinder cabinet use is recommended for flammable gases).
• Flames and heat sources are not to be used near gas cylinders.
• Other electrical equipment, wiring, ground wires, etc., should not be used in the proximity of flammable gas cylinders.
• Do not expose cylinders to direct sunlight, to avoid pressure increases.
• Avoid container corrosion by preventing excessive humidity and salt damage. Corroded containers are not to be used.
• Keep the containers free of oil products.
• Manage the cylinders with prescribed recording the necessary criteria.
• Return cylinders that are empty, no longer to use, or whose use-by date is expired.

② Cylinder use

• Carefully open and close the valve, and ensure that the valve is closed after use.
• Ensure sufficient ventilation to avoid the risk of suffocation.
• Return to the storage location after use.
• Use suitable equipment depending on the type of gas.
• Ensure that there are no flames or flammable materials in the vicinity of flammable or oxygen gases (see Article 60 of the Regulation on Safety of General High-Pressure Gas for reference).
• Sufficiently understand the attributes, characteristics, features, etc., of the gas prior to use.
• Stop using of the cylinder and immediately contact the supplier if there are any abnormalities.

③ Handling of liquefied gases

• Pay attention to the following points.
  • Pressure increases due to liquid vaporization
  • Blocks due to the freezing of moisture, etc.
  • Oxygen concentration increase due to condensation of atmospheric oxygen
  • Freezing, frostbite
  • Hypoxic / anoxic conditions, injuries due to cold gas inhalation
• Cryogenic pressurized cylinders are to have suitable measuring instruments—e.g. a pressure gauge, liquid level meter, safety valve, etc.—and must be regularly inspected to ensure that they are under normal operating conditions ・Use protective gear such as gloves, etc.
• Similar to other cylinders, handle the cryogenic cylinders quietly and carefully, and place them in a horizontal and well-ventilated area with no direct sunlight. ・Take sufficient precautions so as not to topple over or strongly impact the cryogenic cylinders during transport.

④ Emergency responses

During an emergency, promptly contact the appropriate facility staff, and follow their instructions.

Follow the instructions of the appropriate facility staff during an incident.
For example,
(a) When there is a gas leak:

• Stop using the gas and close the cylinder valve.
• Open doors, windows, etc., and allow for sufficient ventilation.
• Contact the experimental equipment managers and shift leader.

(b) When a valve is damaged:,

• Stop using the gas, and contact the experimental equipment managers and shift leader.

(c) When a gas has ignited:

• Contact the fire department promptly.
• Try to extinguish the fire as much as possible early on, by cutting the gas supply and closing the cylinder valve.

(d) When a fire has broken out in the vicinity:

• Contact the fire department promptly.
• Try to extinguish the fire as much and as soon as possible; furthermore, try to move the container from its location so as to prevent it from being heated.

(e) When a cylinder has been lost or stolen:

• Please file a police report and promptly contact the appropriate facility staff.