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Compressed Gases
Self Inspection Checklist


Guidelines: This checklist covers regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA under the General Industry standard 29 CFR 1910.101. It applies to the handling, storage, and use of compressed gases in cylinders or portable tanks. The regulations cited apply only to private employers and their employees, unless adopted by a state agency and applied to other groups such as public employees.

The OSHA standard adopts by reference the Compressed Gas Association's (CGA) Pamphlets C-6-1986, C-8-1962, and P-1-1965. The following questions relate to the more common precautions to be taken in school environments. The checklist, however, is not all inclusive. The Compressed Gas Association has updated the three pamphlets cited by OSHA as C-6-1993, C-8-1997, and P-1-1999.

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  1. Are cylinders stored in upright positions and immobilized
    by chains or other means to prevent them from being
    knocked over?
    [CGA 3.4.4 and 29 CFR 1910.101(b)]

    Note: Tragic accidents have occurred when a cylinder
    was knocked over, damaging the cylinder and turning
    it into a rocket.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are cylinders stored away from highly flammable
    substances such as oil, gasoline, or waste?
    [CGA 3.3.6]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are cylinders stored away from electrical connections,
    gas flames or other sources of ignition, and substances
    such as flammable solvents and combustible waste material?
    [CGA 3.5.1]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are flammable gases separated from oxidizing gases
    in storage areas? [CGA 3.3.3]

    Note: Acetylene and propane cylinders should be
    separated from oxygen cylinders when not in use.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are oxygen and fuel gas cylinders separated by
    a minimum of 20 feet when in storage?
    [CGA 3.5.3]

    Note: A fire-resistant partition between the cylinders
    can also be used.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are storage rooms for cylinders dry, cool, and
    well- ventilated? [CGA 3.3.5]

    Note: The storage rooms should be fire resistant and the
    storage should not be in subsurface locations. Cylinders
    should be stored in secure areas at temperatures below
    125ºF, away from radiators or other sources of heat.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are cylinders stored away from incompatibles, excessive
    heat, continuous dampness, salt or other corrosive
    chemicals, and any areas that may subject them to damage?
    [CGA 3.3.7 and 29 CFR 1910.101(b)]

    Note: Rusting will damage the cylinder and may cause
    the valve protection cap to stick.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is the storage area permanently posted with the names
    of the gases stored in the cylinders?
    [CGA 3.3.2 and 29 CFR 1910.101(b)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do all compressed gas cylinders have their contents and
    precautionary labeling clearly marked on their exteriors?
    [29 CFR 1910.101(b)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all compressed gas cylinder valve covers in place
    when cylinders are not in use?
    [29 CFR 1910.101(b)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all compressed gas cylinders stored so they
    do not interfere with exit paths?
    [29 CFR 1910.101(b)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all compressed gas cylinders subjected to
    periodic hydrostatic testing and interior inspection?
    [29 CFR 1910.101(a)]

    Note: This is normally done by the supplier.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do all compressed gas cylinders have safety pressure relief
    valves? [29 CFR 1910.101(c)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are cylinders always maintained at temperatures
    below 125ºF? [CGA 3.1.12]

    Note: A flame should never come in contact with any
    part of a compressed gas cylinder.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are safety relief devices in the valve or on the cylinder
    free from any indication of tampering?
    [CGA 3.1.14]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is repair or alteration to the cylinder, valve, or safety
    relief devices prohibited? [CGA 3.1.15]

    Note: All alterations and repairs to the cylinder and valve
    must be made by the compressed gas vendor.
    Modification of safety relief devices beyond the tank
    or regulator should only be made by a competent person
    appointed by management.

 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is painting cylinders without authorization by
    the owner prohibited? [CGA 3.1.20]

    Note: Often color codes are used to help designate
    cylinders. Arbitrary paint is not recommended.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are charged or full cylinders labeled and stored
    away from empty cylinders?
    [CGA 3.3.4 and 29 CFR 1910.101(b)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is the bottom of the cylinder protected from the ground
    to prevent rusting? [CGA 3.3.9]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all compressed gas cylinders regularly inspected
    for corrosion, pitting, cuts, gouges, digs, bulges, neck
    defects and general distortion?
    [29 CFR 1910.101(a)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are cylinder valves closed at all times, except when
    the valve is in use? [CGA 3.1.15]

    Note: Regulator diaphragms have failed, and unwanted
    gas was delivered to an area or apparatus, causing
    safety and health problems.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are compressed gas cylinders always moved, even
    short distances, by a suitable hand truck?
    [CGA 3.2.6]

    Note: They must never be dragged across the floor.
    Serious accidents have occurred when a cylinder with
    a regulator in place was improperly moved. The cylinder
    fell, causing the regulator to shear off, and the cylinder
    rocketed through several brick walls.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is using wrenches or other tools for opening and closing
    valves prohibited? [CGA 3.4.9]

    Note: Hammering on valve wheels to open them should
    be strictly prohibited. For valves that are hard to open,
    contact the supplier for instruction.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are suitable pressure regulating devices in use whenever
    the gas is emitted to systems with pressure-rated
    limitations lower than the cylinder pressure?
    [CGA 3.4.5]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all compressed gas cylinder connections such as
    pressure regulators, manifolds, hoses, gauges, and relief
    valves checked for integrity and tightness?
    [29 CFR 1910.101(a)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all compressed gas cylinders regularly subjected to
    leak detection using an approved leak detecting liquid?
    [29 CFR 1910.101(a)]

    Note: Ordinary soap solution may contain oils that are
    unsafe when used with oxygen cylinders. Leak detection
    liquids are available from commercial welding supply
    houses.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is an approved leak-detection liquid used to detect flammable
    gas leaks ? [CGA 3.5.2]

    Note: A flame should never be used.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are procedures established for when a compressed gas
    cylinder leak cannot be remedied by simply tightening
    the valve? [CGA 3.1.6]

    The procedures should include the following:

    1. Attach tag to the cylinder stating it is unserviceable.

    2. Remove cylinder to a well ventilated out of doors
      location.

    3. If the gas is flammable or toxic, place an appropriate
      sign at the cylinder warning of these hazards.

    4. Notify the gas supplier and follow his/her instructions
      as to the return of the cylinder.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are students/employees prohibited from using compressed
    gases (air) to clean clothing or work surfaces?
    [29 CFR 1910.101(b)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are compressed gases only handled by experienced and
    properly trained people? [CGA 3.4.1]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 




Source of additional information:

Handbook of Compressed Gases, Compressed Gas Association, Arlington, VA, latest edition.



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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health