5.8 Gases
Compressed gas cylinders can pose both physical and health hazards. Gas cylinders are pressurized vessels that pose a physical hazard if the pressure is released suddenly and violently. Compressed gases also pose the health hazard of asphyxiation if their rapid expansion displaces sufficient oxygen.
Gas cylinder safety guidelines
Marking doors:
- Doors to rooms where gas cylinders are stored must be marked with a sign/pictogram. This sign serves as both guidance and a warning for firefighters in the event of a fire.
- Regulations also require that this sign/pictogram is removed from the door when gas cylinders are no longer present in the room. Incorrect placement of such a sign could lead firefighters to avoid extinguishing a fire in a room, assuming there is a risk of explosion due to gas cylinders, even when no gas cylinders are stored there.
Correct gas cylinder usage:
- Always check that the correct gas cylinder with the correct valve or reduction valve is being used.
- Gas cylinders should only be coupled to a reduction valve labeled with the same gas as stated on the cylinder itself.
- Use only approved gas hoses with gas cylinders.
Transporting compressed gas cylinders:
- When transporting a compressed gas cylinder, use a gas cylinder cart.
- Remove the pressure regulator before transporting the cylinder.
- Handle cylinders with care to avoid shock or impact.
- Avoid placing them in high-temperature areas or where they might be easily knocked over.
Storage guidelines:
- All compressed gas cylinders must be stored with the safety cap in place when not in use.
- Always chain gas cylinders when stored in such a way that they can be easily released if necessary and never put the chain around the valve.
- Alternatively, store them in designated wheeled racks for gas cylinders.
Building 1 specifics:
- In Building 1, only 20-liter gas tubes may be stored in the gas cabinets, as mandated by the Swedish Work Environment Authority. Due to the high elevation of the floors of the gas cabinets there is a high risk of 50-liter gas tubes falling over when attempting to store them.
Additional precautions:
- Collect as much information as possible about the gas you intend to use.
- Study the product safety information sheets carefully.
- If you have further questions, contact your gas supplier.
The Swedish Work Environment Authority’s Statute Book (AFS, Arbetsmiljöverkets författningssamling) and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency’s regulations and advice (MSBFS) can be helpful references.
The Swedish Work Environment Authority's Statute Book (AFS, Arbetsmiljöverkets författningssamling), in Swedish:
- AFS 2023:10 Föreskrifter och allmänna råd om risker i arbetsmiljön (Sv) 'Hazards in the Working Environment'.
- AFS 2023:11 Föreskrifter och allmänna råd om arbetsutrustning och personlig skyddsutrustning - säker användning (Sv) 'Safe use of Work Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment'.
Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency's regulations and advice (MSBFS), in Swedish):
- MSBFS 2020:1 Föreskrifter om hantering av brandfarlig gas och brandfarliga aerosoler (Sv) 'Handling of flammable gas and aerosols'
- MSBFS 2013:3 Föreskrifter om tillstånd till hantering av brandfarliga gaser och vätskor (Sv) 'Regulations on permits for the handling of flammable gas and liquids'
- SRVFS 2004:7 Föreskrifter om explosionsfarlig miljö vid hantering av brandfarliga gaser och vätskor (Sv) 'Handling of flammable gases and liquids in high-explosion-risk environments'
Compressed gases are indicated under GHS by the gas cylinder pictogram, along with the hazard statement: “Contains gas under pressure”.
| Pictogram | What shall be marked |
|---|---|
| Compressed gases shall be marked with this pictogram. |
| Cupboards and doors to room where gas cylinders are stored Regulations also mandate removing the sign from the door |