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Compressed gas guidelines for summer

BOC is reminding users that cylinder safety is a hot issue in summer. Safety protocols are a must and the company has issued guidelines. Source: Timberbiz

BOC’s Head of Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ) Paul Stathers said summer signals an important time for gas users to sharpen their focus on safety protocols, particularly with the use of compressed gas cylinders.

Mr Stathers said it was crucial that users were educated about the types of compressed cylinder gases such as oxidising gas, flammable gas, toxic gas and non-flammable, non toxic gas.

“These gases come with distinctive diamond shaped labels which is the primary means of identifying the contents and the nature of any associated hazards, as well as dedicated cylinder colours which is the secondary method of identification.

“It is vital that users do not use a gas cylinder if the label is missing or illegible or if the heat tag has been damaged,’’ he said.

The company has released, Guidelines for Gas Cylinder Safety, a comprehensive safety document, which provides information on label identification and information including guidance on the safe storage, handling and distribution of gas cylinders.

There is information on correct cylinder storage and handling, advice on safe cylinder transportation, care of associated equipment as well as incident response.

Guidelines for Gas Cylinder Safety is available for download online at www.boc.com.au or by contacting the BOC customer service centre on 131 262.

In the interests of personal safety, BOC also urges customers to familiarise themselves with the respective Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and gas equipment operating manuals which are also available online.