Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00419:body:0:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00419
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 40326–43161

Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.

3.6 Compressed and liquefied gases
Compressed and liquefied gases are used as fuel, a source of oxygen or as shielding gases
in certain types of welding. Cylinders contain large volumes of gas under high pressure and precautions need to be taken when storing, handling and using cylinders.
The hazards associated with compressed and liquefied gases include fire, explosion, toxicity, asphyxiation, oxidisation and uncontrolled release of pressure. Gas leakage is a particular hazards. Leaking fuel gas is usually recognised by odour, however, oxygen leaks are harder to detect and therefore potentially more hazardous.

Control measures
    * Store and handle cylinders appropriately. For further guidance refer to AS 4332: The storage and handling of gases in cylinders.
    * Keep cylinders maintained free from leaks or dents.
    * Store cylinders in an upright position to ensure the safety device functions correctly.
    * Secure cylinders to prevent dislodgement.
    * Ensure flashback arrestors are fitted at the blow pipe at the regulator end of both the oxygen and fuel gas lines.
    * Keep the cylinder valve closed when the cylinder is not being used.
    * Keep all sources of heat and ignition away from gas cylinders, even if the cylinders do not contain flammable material.
If a small leak occurs, close the cylinder valve if possible. The area should be well ventilated
and air conditioning systems should be turned off to avoid spreading gas. However, if a large amount of gas escapes, emergency procedures should be implemented.

Asphyxiation hazards
Asphyxia is a condition that occurs where there is lack of oxygen. All gases, including fuel gases (for example, hydrogen, acetylene and liquid petroleum gas) and inert gases (for example, argon, helium and nitrogen) are an asphyxiation hazard in high concentrations.
Too little oxygen in the air that we breathe can cause fatigue and in extreme cases death.
Using compressed and liquefied gases can result in dangerously low levels of oxygen, either through consumption of oxygen in the air (burning of fuel) or where an accumulation of gases displaces oxygen in air. For example, gases that are heavier than air can accumulate in low lying areas such as pits, wells and cellars and gases that are lighter than air can accumulate in high areas, for example roof spaces and lofts.
To ensure the controlled release of gas in an emergency situation, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and inert gas cylinders should be fitted with a bursting disc safety device and liquid petroleum gas cylinders should have an operational spring-loaded pressure relief valve. Acetylene cylinders must be fitted with a fusible plug in the neck of the cylinder and must always be stored and used in an upright position.