Page 84 - CITS - Welder - Trade Theory

WELDER - CITS

Colour coding for different gas cylinders, safe handling
and storage

Objectives : At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• identify different gas cylinders
• state the cylinder safe handling and storage.

Introduction - gas cylinder: It is a steel container, used to store different gases at high pressure safely and in
large quantity for welding or other industrial uses.
Types and identifications of gas cylinders: Gas cylinders are called by names of the gas they are holding.
(Table 1) Gas cylinders are identified by their body colour marks and valve threads. (Table 1)

Identification of gas cylinders
Name of gas Cylinder Colour codling Valve threads
Oxygen Black Right- hand
Acetylene Maroon Left- hand

Coal Red (With name coal gas) Left-hand
Hydrogen Red Left-hand
Nitrogen Grey(With Right-hand
Black neck)

Air Grey Right-hand
Propane RED(with Left-hand
Larger diameter
And name propane)
Argon Blue Right-hand
Carbon-di-Oxide Black (With white neck) Right-hand

Oxygen & acetylene cylinder safe handling and storage
1 Make sure you have received the necessary training, including WHMIS. Only trained workers are allowed to
handle compressed gases.
2 Do not smoke in compressed gas storage areas (indoors or outdoors). Note that oxygen alone will not
combust, but it will vigorously support and accelerate combustion, causing flammable materials to burn with
great intensity. Oil or grease in the presence of oxygen can ignite readily and burn violently.
3 Wear the required (if any) personal protective equipment (PPE) and use only the appropriate equipment (e.g.,
carts, tools, fittings, and equipment).
4 Before using or storing the cylinders, make sure they are properly identified or labelled and that they are in
good condition. For cylinders that are not in good condition place a warning label on it, and report it to the
supervisor to have it removed from service.
5 Store cylinders in a clearly identified, dry, well-ventilated storage area that is not exposed to heat or the direct
rays of the sun, and away from doorways, aisles, elevators, gangways, stairs, electrical outlets, etc.
6 Identify empty cylinders with a tag and store them separately from full cylinders. Store cylinders, both empty
and full, in the upright position (unless otherwise instructed).

7 During storage, close the cylinder valves with the protective caps or a specific protective device in place.
8 Secure cylinders with an insulated chain or non-conductive belt to protect cylinders from falling or becoming
damaged.

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CITS : C G & M - Welder - Lesson 14-26 CITS : C G & M - Welder - Lesson 14-26