Wear suitable protective clothing, including gloves and face protection. Safety equipment, such as self-contained breathing apparatus and fire extinguishers, should be located near hazardous areas. Stay well informed of the potential hazards of the gases with which you are working. Follow all federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to the storage and use of compressed gas cylinders. The following is an overview of the primary hazards to be avoided when handling and storing compressed gases.
Simple asphyxiation is the primary hazard associated with inert gases.
Because inert gases are colorless and odorless, they can escape into the atmosphere undetected and quickly reduce the concentration of oxygen below the level necessary to support life. The use of oxygen monitoring equipment is strongly recommended for enclosed areas where inert gases are being used. Fire and explosion are the primary hazards associated with flammable gases, oxygen, and other oxidizing gases. Flammable gases can be ignited by static electricity or by a heat source, such as a flame or a hot object. Oxygen and other oxidizing gases do not burn, but will support combustion of flammable materials.