institut für ::::::::::: chemie der universität göttingen

INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
AT GÖTTINGEN UNIVERSITY
Guidelines for Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders
1. Storing compressed gas cylinders of any size in laboratories is prohibited! Any
compressed gas cylinder not connected to any equipment is considered as
stored.
2. Compressed gas cylinders must be secured against falling over and protected
from heat. A wooden base should be used to protect the floor covering.
3. Compressed gas cylinders containing highly toxic or toxic gases must be
permanently vented when set up in a laboratory (by means of gas safety
cabinets, fume hoods or separate venting).
4. No tools must be used for opening or closing compressed gas cylinder valves.
Cylinders whose valves cannot be opened or closed by hand must be taken out
of operation immediately, and the safety representatives must be informed at
once.
5. The type of gas, the volume and the TÜV inspection date of a compressed gas
cylinder is printed on the bottle neck or can be found on a label. Compressed gas
cylinders must be returned not later than one month before the next inspection is
due. The type of gas is indicated by the colour of the paint. Also, the identification
in accordance with the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances
(‘Gefahrstoffverordnung’) can be found on the cylinder.
6. The valves, pressure gauges, gaskets and similar parts of cylinders containing
oxygen or highly oxidant gases must not in any case come into contact with
grease, oil or glycerin. Spontaneous combustion due to oxidation can lead to fire
and explosion.
7. All tubes used must withstand the pressure and other mechanical, thermal and
chemical conditions that are to be expected. Tubes must be firmly fixed and
secured with appropriate clamps. All connections must be inspected for tightness
before commencing work.
8. When no gas is required for a longer period, the cylinder valve should be closed
and pressure taken off the pressure regulator.
9. Before transporting compressed gas cylinders the cylinder valves must be closed
and the valve protection caps screwed on. For empty compressed gas cylinders
(residual pressure of 10 bar required), locknuts should be screwed on in
combination with appropriate gaskets.
Attention: left-handed screw threads on cylinders containing flammable
gases!
10. Transport of cylinders must be carried out by means of appropriate devices such
as cylinder trolleys.

11. As a daily rental charge must be paid for compressed gas cylinders, they should
be returned as soon as they are empty (residual pressure of 10 bar required), or
if they are not used for a longer period of time, and not later than the date
specified on the attached label.
12. For further, detailed specifications and regulations regarding the use of
compressed gas cylinders and gases, please consult the
Unfallverhütungsvorschrift Gase (GUV 9.9), the TRG 280, the Richtlinien für
Laboratorien (GUV 16.17, Kapitel 5.4.3) and the safety data sheets. These
documents are included in your work group safety folder, or you can request
them from the safety representative.
Valid as of: 10/2001
gez. Prof. Dr. M. Suhm
(managing director)