1.

7
SAFE AND SOUND
HANDLING

1.7.1 - CYLINDERS: SAFE STORAGE, HANDLING,

AND USE
To use compressed gas
cylinders safely, it is important
that they are stored properly,
handled correctly, used with
the correct equipment, and
that the properties of the gases
they
contain
are
fully
understood.

1.7.2 - OVERVIEW OF CYLINDER PHYSICAL HAZARDS

1.
2.
3.
4.

Physical Damage
Valve Hazard
Tipping and Falling
Valve Leakage

1.7.5 - HOW TO TRANSPORT CYLINDERS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Wear protective footwear, safety

glasses, and heavy gloves.
Securely install the valve
protection devices, such as caps or
guards.
Secure cylinders upright to a
proper hand truck or cylinder cart
designed for the purpose.
Don't drag or roll them use a
properly designed cart or hand
truck.
Prevent damage handle carefully
avoid dropping or banging them.

1.7.3 - OVERVIEW OF CYLINDER CONTENT

HAZARDS
Read, understand, and follow the markings on the
cylinder, the label(s) on the cylinder, and the
material safety data sheet (MSDS). Each
compressed gas cylinder has unique hazards
based on contents. Some are filled with inert
gases especially those used in arc welding.
Many gases are flammable, explosive, toxic, or a
combination. Common compressed gases include
acetylene, carbon dioxide, argon, hydrogen,
nitrogen, air, propane, and oxygen.

1.7.4 - HOW TO STORE CYLINDERS

1. Store cylinders upright and
secure them with a chain.
2. Completely close the valves,
and keep the valve protection
devices.
3. Mark the storage area with
proper precautionary signs
4. Store empty cylinders
separate from full ones.
5. Keep oxygen cylinders 20
feet away from fuel-gas
cylinders.

1.7.6 - HOW TO MAINTAIN THEM

1.

2.
3.

Protect the markings on cylinders that

identify the contents, and mark the
full/empty status on cylinders (do not use
color to identify contents). Mark all
empty cylinders (some companies use
"MT").
Don't use the recessed top of the cylinder
as a storage area for tools or material.
If cylinders are leaking, isolate them
outdoors and away from sparks or heat.

1.7.7 - WHATIS GOOD POSTURE?

1. Posture must be appropriate to
avoid the severe injuries.
2. The best posture is always the
one in which all body segments
are balanced in the position of
optimal
alignment
and
maximum support, with full
mobility possible.

1.7.8 - WHATARE THE CORRECT LIFTING

AND CARRYING TECHNIQUES?

1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

If you must lift objects, do not try to lift objects that are awkward or are
heavier than 30 pounds (say 14 kilos). If you are younger than 16, and
female, these weights should be reduced according to your capabilities.
Similarly for boys.
Before you lift a heavy object, make sure you have a firm footing. Position
your feet apart for a stable base.
Stand close to the object you are trying to pick up, bend your knees and
use a firm grip and test the weight.
Stand completely upright and do not twist the body whilst holding a heavy
object.
Don't lean forward whilst carrying a heavy object.
Avoid lifting heavy objects above waist level.
Turn or lead with your feet, not your body.

1.7.9 - WHAT IS A CROWBAR?

A crowbar or pry bar is a type of tool
used to pry objects apart, remove nails,
and for general demolition. A crowbar
can be found in most construction tool
kits because it can be used in a wide
variety of applications. Crowbars come
in a number of different sizes and
weights, depending on how the tool will
be used.
Most crowbars are made from steel,
which is a solid and strong metal that
will give the crowbar a long life of use.

1.7.10 - WHY AND HOW SHOULD LEVERS BE

USED?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Using levers reduces the force required to handle materials and avoids
bending and stooping.
Use a steel bar to shift an object horizontally.
Use the lever and rollers to move a load horizontally.
Use rollers on an angle to change the direction of the load.
Use "Come-Along" to move heavy load. Ensure load is fully on the skid
to prevent drag or resistance.
Lever on a rolling platform lifts and moves objects.
Lever on wheels lifts and moves manhole covers.
Use an extended handle to lift, shift or move objects without bending.