Federal Regulations. PSI Hazmat Training for Cylinder Safety

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1 PSI Hazmat Training for Cylinder Safety Familiarization with Federal Regulations General awareness/familiarization with cylinders Proper handling/preventive procedures Safety issues and training Reporting observed concerns Federal Regulations Department of Transportation (DOT) enforce the Code of Federal Regulations Title which mandates all persons who handle transport or are likely to be affected" by the hazards of high pressure cylinders must receive "function specific" training to the HAZMAT within 90 days of employment and retraining every 3 years afterward. DOT regulates the transport and handling of high-pressure cylinders 1

2 Federal Regulations Title 29 CFR (a) Requires employers to take ultimate responsibility for the safe condition of compressed gas cylinders under his control The U.S. government regulates matters affecting the safety and health of employees (only) in all industries, including compressed gas, through the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Federal Regulations Valid scuba instructor credentials do not qualify the holder for compliance with hazmat training. Employees/volunteers (including grad students) must receive appropriate hazmat training whenever assigned new duties The ICC was an older version of the DOT and cylinders stamped with ICC may be used if they met all other standards In every state, all dive store employees and anyone handling cylinders on a regular basis must comply with rules equal to OSHA 29 CFR

3 Scuba Cylinders Made of steel or aluminum Range in capacity from a few cubic feet to 120 cubic feet. Common pressures range from 1,800 psi (124 bar), to 2,250 psi (155 bar), to 3,000 psi (207 bar), and higher Steel cylinders with a + sign can be overfilled by 10% Corrodes quicker Steel vs. Aluminum Lighter (Wear more weight) Positive when empty Flat bottom Heavier (Wear less weight) Cheaper Neutral when empty Resists corrosion Round bottom Susceptible to damage from heat More Expensive 3

4 Cylinder Codes Regulating agency - DOT/CTC (ICC old name for DOT) Metal Alloy molybdenum steel - 3A, 3AA Metal Alloy aluminum alloy - 3AL (present day), SP6498 (to 1972), E6498 (to 1982), E9791 Serial number unique to each tank Working pressure/capacity (e.g. 2250psi, 3000psi) Mfr. Stamp Inspector stamp; hydro date(s) month, year 4

5 Cylinder Codes (cont.) Always look at a list or reject codes before using or filling an unfamiliar cylinder examples of alloys to recheck are below (not a complete list) Reject SP6576, SP6688, SP890 Also reject cylinders with any suspect exterior damage and cylinders without pressure release devices Cylinder Valve Assemblies and Manifolds K valve and J valve Burst disk, valve dip tube, o-ring, handle assembly DIN valve Slingshot or Y valve H manifolds Pillar/post valves 5

6 Cylinder Valve Use & Care Never use excessive force to open or close Open slowly Open valve fully, then close valve onequarter turn, but no more. This provides a clue to help determine if the tank is open and also the correct way to turn valve when closing. Always carry tank valve opening facing away from palm Pillar/post valves w/o reserve should NOT be carried by the valve Cylinder Care and Maintenance Handling with care. Best to transport well secured vertically. When transporting horizontally block in place and orient sideways. Always carry valve facing out away from palm. Fill slowly ( psi/min) Keeping water out. Blow off valves before filling. Rinse after use Storage pressurized (min. of 100 psi) secured vertically is best. Visual inspection needs to be conducted yearly or sooner if tank is drained Hydrostatic test every 5 years REPORT ANY DAMAGE OR CYLINDER THAT HAS BEEN EMPTIED TO D.S.O 6

7 Cylinder Care and Maintenance SAFETY CONCERNS Always carry valve opening away from skin. Air embolism can occur through contact with skin and can occur readily in people other than divers. Dropped cylinders may injure feet or toes or shear off valve. Escaping air may be loud and can cause particles to become airborne. Use eye and ear protection. Never place a pressurized cylinder in an environment > 130º F* (car trunk on a hot day). Any cylinder exposed to fire should be removed from service Cylinders are heavy use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury. * 130º F is the maximum operating temperature for a cylinder The kinetic energy stored within a full 80 ft3 tank exceeds one million foot pounds, sufficient energy to disintegrate concrete block walls, propel fill station operators trough walls, destroy fire trucks, and jet cylinders great distances. AT LEAST ONE CYLINDER EXPLODES ANNUALLY!! 7

8 Disguised damage Boots often hide corrosion including self draining boots. They should always be removed when inspecting a cylinder. Stickers or paint may placed over damage Auto repair putty used to cover defects Vinyl coated cylinders should not be used or filled under any circumstances REPORT ANY SUSPECT CYLINDERS IMMEDIATELY TO DIVE SAFETY OFFICER General cylinder handling Never move any cylinder by rolling it along the ground Never leave any tank standing up (including flat bottomed AL tanks) if you are more than arm lengths away Cylinders may only be filled if they are within the current hydrostatic and visual inspection period Any unfamiliar stamp should be checked to see if it is a cylinder that should be rejected (e.g. SP 6576 identifies a bevel bottom aluminum tank that should be rejected.) Condemned cylinders with obliterated codes may never be returned to service 8

9 Cylinder basics Look over the exterior of the cylinder for any evidence of damage (bulges, cracks, etc.) Check most recent hydrostatic test stamp (should be within 5 years of current date) Check for a current VIP/Evidence of Inspection sticker (should be within 1 year of current date). If sticker is suspect for any reason, obtain written inspection record. Look over valve for any damage and ensure valve has pressure release mechanism (burst disc) Questions? 9