January 9, 2024
Leaking cylinders can pose serious hazards, including: oxygen displacement, release of toxic or other hazardous gas, and/or fire/explosion due to flammable or reactive gas release. If your lab works with compressed gas, please be aware that older cylinders are prone to leaking at the valve.
What to do
Please follow the precautions below to prevent gas cylinder leaks:
- Remove or replace cylinders that are 10 years or older. Remove cylinders that are no longer in use.
- Most are returnable to the vendors (Linde, Airgas) with no charge.
- Check cylinders, regulators, piping, and valves regularly for signs of damage, corrosion or leaks.
- Perform regular leak tests on valves and piping for all gases in use.
- Store cylinders which are not used regularly with caps on (regulators removed).
Other Resources
- Compressed Gas Cylinder: Proper Management And Use (Booklet)
- Required training for labs that use pressurized systems