Compressed gases pose a variety of hazards such as flammability, toxicity, and corrosivity. According to the University of North Carolina, “compressed gas” means:

  1. A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70 deg. F (21.1 deg. C); or
  2. A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130 deg. F (54.4 deg. C) regardless of the pressure at 70 deg. F (21.1 deg. C); or
  3. A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100 deg. F (37.8 deg. C) as determined by ASTM D-323-72.

If a leak occurs, gas can quickly displace air in a large area, creating a poisonous atmosphere and the right conditions for an explosion. To help prevent these dangerous situations, it’s important to understand and apply general cylinder safety, correctly store, use and handle cylinders, and use appropriate disposal methods.

For more details on safely working with compressed gases, please visit https://ehs.unc.edu/chemical/compressed-gas/.