Hard copies of this document may not be the current version. Refer to the “I Am The Key” to verify the

current version.

1 

DLA-SM COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDER SAFETY PROGRAM

Sep 2022 

PURPOSE

Special storage, use, and handling precautions are necessary to control the hazards associated with 

compressed gas cylinders. The purpose of the DLA-SM (Strategic Materials) Compressed Gas 

Cylinder Safety Program is to prevent occupational injuries related to the storage and use of 

compressed gas cylinders. DLA-SM will accomplish this through training in the handling, storage, 

use, inspection, and movement of compressed gas cylinders. Only properly trained employees will be 

permitted to perform operations involving compressed gas cylinders. Training will be conducted based

on the contents of this program. 

RESPONSIBILITY

The following personnel have key roles and responsibilities in carrying out the DLA-SM Compressed 

Gas Cylinder Safety Program:

• The Environmental Division Chief is responsible for the overall operation and 

administration of the program. 

• Depot Managers are responsible for the implementation, evaluation, continuing 

maintenance, and effectiveness of the program at their respective Depots. 

• ESOH (Environmental, Safety, & Occupational Health) staff will be responsible 

for monitoring compliance for and conducting training on this program.

• Employees shall be responsible for completing training, as necessary, knowing the 

provisions of the Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety Program, complying with the 

procedures outlined in this program, and reporting to the Depot Manager any problems, 

accidents, defective equipment, unsafe conditions, or lack of proper storage space for 

compressed gas cylinders used by them.

LIST OF COMPRESSED GASES & EQUIPMENT

Compressed gases used within the DLA-SM Depots are Inert gases, such as Argon, and Carbon 

Dioxide (liquified). These products are used in purging process operations for some of our 

commodities. Each gas cylinder is fitted with a regulator upon its installation at the purging process 

station. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Steel/Composite-toed work shoes are required when maneuvering compressed gas cylinders. 

INSPECTION PROCEDURES

Compressed gas cylinders should be visually inspected upon receipt for correct labels and markings, 

and to ensure they are fit for use including:

• Visual inspection will include the cylinder container, safety relief device, valve and 

stem, and valve protection cap - checking for any leaks, cracks, etc.

• A stamped hydrostatic test date on the cylinder should be within the last five years.

• Cylinders must be legibly marked by a stencil or stamp - labeled with at least the name of the 

chemical/contents (or commonly accepted name of the material contained, i.e., Argon). 

• Cylinder valve protection cap must be in good condition and attached to the cylinder when it is 

not in use. 
Hard copies of this document may not be the current version. Refer to the “I Am The Key” to verify the

current version.

2 

• The cylinder mounting and restraining devices, such as a chain or strap, must not show any 

signs of damage or loss of integrity. 

• Straps/chains must surround the cylinder approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the height of the 

cylinder measured from the top of the cylinder to the floor. 

• Do not accept a cylinder from the gas vendor without a proper label or without a secured 

valve protection cap. 

• If a cylinder is found to be unfit for use or you notice a problem with a cylinder, it must be 

taken out of service and returned to the manufacturer for repair or disposal. Do not attempt to 

repair a defective cylinder. 

• When inspecting a cylinder and associated equipment after use, ensure valves are closed and 

tightened; any remaining residual gas has been safely released from the line; and valve 

protection cap is securely fastened during long-term storage. 

• Ensure the rack maintaining empty cylinders is labeled EMPTY.

HANDLING PROCEDURES

The gas vendor will install the cylinder at the purging process station rack. Ensure the cylinder is stored

upright and strapped/chained with valve protection cap in place prior to removing it to hook up the 

regulator.

Attach the proper sign/tag to the cylinder(s): FULL for any cylinder strapped to the purging process 

manifold with the valve protection cap still attached, but not in use. IN USE for those cylinders 

attached to the purging process manifold. And EMPTY to those that are empty, strapped/chained to the 

empty rack, and that have the protective cap attached.

Engineering controls must be implemented when using, transporting, moving, and storing compressed 

gas cylinders: 

• Ensure cylinders are secured in an upright position with the strap tightened or chain attached. 

• Ensure adequate ventilation (typically six air changes per hour or more) in areas where the 

cylinders are used and stored. 

• Always keep removable caps and valve outlet caps/plugs on cylinders except when 

connecting the valve to the dispensing equipment regulator. 

• Carefully inspect the cylinder valve for damage and foreign materials before connecting the 

regulator to the cylinder. Connect the regulator to the cylinder valve fitting and tighten 

snugly. 

• Open cylinder valve slowly and directed away from your face.

• Leak test all connections using a soapy solution. Leaks can occur at the regulator, cylinder 

stem, and at the hose connection.

• Never use a cylinder without a regulator.

• If a cylinder valve cannot be opened, the valve should never be forced. If a valve cannot be 

opened by hand, the cylinder should be returned, and another cylinder obtained. Employees 

must not attempt to repair cylinders or cylinder valves or to force stuck or frozen cylinder 

valves.

• When cylinder is empty, close valve, remove regulator assembly, install, and tighten the valve 

protection cap over the valve assembly, and carefully move cylinder to the empty rack. Empty

cylinders must be marked empty or have a tag with the label of EMPTY, must have the valve 

protection cap installed, and cylinder must be secured by chain or strap. Do not attempt to lift 
Hard copies of this document may not be the current version. Refer to the “I Am The Key” to verify the

current version.

3 

or move cylinder by the valve protection cap.

• Contact the gas vendor to schedule pickup of empty cylinders and delivery of full cylinders. 

• Only properly trained employees should handle and/or use compressed gas cylinders.

• Employees must wear proper PPE during all operation requiring the handling or 

use of compressed gas cylinders. Please see Purging Process PHA/JHA for PPE 

requirements.

STORAGE PROCEDURE

• Store full and empty cylinders apart.

• Compressed gas cylinders are to be stored upright and in dry, well-ventilated areas away 

from exits and out of extreme hot or cold environments.

• Empty compressed gas cylinders are transferred to the EMPTY cylinder rack near the 

purging process station to await removal by the gas vendor. 

• Straps or chains must surround the cylinder approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the height of 

the cylinder measured from the floor to prevent falling/tipping. 

• Full cylinders are installed and strapped/chained to the regulator manifold rack by the gas 

vendor. The gas vendor will also remove the empty cylinders from the EMPTY rack.

• Attach the proper sign/tag to the cylinders: FULL for any cylinder strapped to the purging 

process manifold with the valve protection cap still attached, but not in use. IN USE for those 

cylinders attached to the purging process manifold. And EMPTY to those that are empty and 

that have the protective cap attached.

• Keep the valve protection cap attached while cylinder remains in storage, cylinder is not in use, 

and when the regulator has been removed from the cylinder. 

GAS SPECIFIC SAFETY PROCEDURE

There are no specific safety procedures for the inert compressed gases of argon and liquid carbon 

dioxide per 29 CFR 1910.102-111 used at the DLA-SM Depot facilities.

Any gas that has the potential to displace oxygen in sufficient quantities can cause asphyxiation. Inert 

gases, such as Argon, must be treated with caution. If left to leak into a closed space, these gases may

displace oxygen and create a risk of asphyxiation. The following special precautions shall be taken for 

asphyxiant gases:

• Do not store asphyxiant gases in areas without ventilation. 

• In the event of a leak, shut off the source of the gas leak if there is no risk to personnel and 

ventilate the area.

• An oxygen detection device must be present when the calculated oxygen concentration is less 

than 18% if the full contents of the cylinder were released.

• If a person has symptoms of asphyxiation, move the victim to fresh air and obtain proper 

medical attention.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

 In case of a gas emergency, immediately leave the area and notify the Depot Manager. Follow the 

 DLA-SM Depot Emergency Response Plan. 

TRAINING

Employees who use and handle compressed gas cylinders will be trained in the safe use, inspection, 
Hard copies of this document may not be the current version. Refer to the “I Am The Key” to verify the

current version.

4 

handling, storage, and movement of compressed gas cylinders. Refresher training will be provided 

annually. Minimum training to be provided will include the following: 

• Receipt and inspection of cylinders 

• Labeling 

• General precautions

• Safe handling of containers 

• Valve protection caps, regulators, and leak testing

• Storage requirements

• Special precautions for storing and handling of asphyxiant gases 

• Emergency procedures

RECORDKEEPING

The DLA-SM credit card clerks at both Hammond and Scotia Depots maintain an inventory record and 

receipts of all purchased compressed gas cylinders. Records are maintained at the perspective Depot location 

for 3 years.

PLAN/PROGRAM REVIEW

The DLA-SM Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety Program document will be reviewed annually and edited 

appropriately due to changes in the revisions of procedures, regulations, or standards.

REFERENCES

• Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.101: Compressed 

Gases

• Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Pamphlets C-6-1968 (Updated 19 AUG 2019) and C-8-

1962 

• DLA-SM Depot Emergency Response Plan 

• DLA-SM HAZCOM Plan

• National Fire Protection Code 55 

• CGA Pamphlets:

• S-1.1-11 Pressure relief device standards-part 1 – Cylinders for Compressed 

Gases (Updated 23 FEB 2022) 

• S-1.2-09 Pressure relief device standards-part 2 – Portable Containers for 

Compressed Gases (Updated 28 JUN 2019) 

• G-11.1-08 Commodity Specification for Argon (Updated 27 OCT 2016) 

• G-6.2-2011 Commodity Specification for Carbon Dioxide (Updated 14 

OCT 2011)