Working safely with gas cylinders
Whilst gas cylinders are common place in many working environments it is important not to become complacent about the potential hazards of such cylinders. There are a number of safety issues that should be addressed to maintain a safe working environment.
For example an average Argon cylinder weighs approximately 95kg, almost 4 times heavier than the recommended safe manual handling limit. A free standing gas cylinder poses a falling hazard and it is for this reason that cylinders should not be left unrestrained.
Workers coming into contact with gas cylinders should be aware of the hazards and properties of the gas in use and should have received training in the correct manual handling procedures and safe operation of the associated equipment.
The importance of training
PGS training courses contain up to date information from the BCGA.
The purpose of each course is to ensure workers have a good understanding of the gas and equipment in use and know how to carry out their work in a safe and healthy manner.
Through training we help companies implement and demonstrate effective control of their compressed and cryogenic gas products and systems and we offer them complete training packages which incorporate both the end user and management.
Ready to find out more?
Learn about gas safety training courses available from PGS.
Know Your CP47 Requirements - The Safe Use of Individual, Portable or Mobile Cylinder Gas Supply Equipment
Know Your CP47 Requirements has been created as an addition to our range of Know Your posters. The purpose of the \'Know Your\' range is to simplify some of the key safety guidelines laid down in British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) codes of practice.
The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) has produced the code of practice CP47: The Safe Use of Individual, Portable or Mobile Cylinder Gas Supply Equipment. This document gives best practice guidance on the safe use, examination, inspection and maintenance of individual gas supply equipment controlled by a single cylinder mounted regulator.
Subjects covered include legislation and examination procedures, as well as an overview of the associated equipment, handling and storage.
Those who are familiar with the BCGA publication GN7 will notice similarities with CP47 however there are important additions including a new requirement for operators to complete an \'after use\' check of the system and all in service work equipment should now be subject to \'annual\' inspection.
The full CP47 document is available to download from the BCGA website
