Over Pressurization of Gas Cylinders: Understanding the Hazards

Over Pressurization of Gas Cylinders: Understanding the Hazards <align="center">  <align="center">Clarence E. Isom

Clean Harbors Environmental Services

Director, High-Hazard Services

500 Battleground Road

LaPorte, TX 77571

(281) 884-5518

isome@cleanharbors.com

Over pressurization of gas cylinders due to unwanted hydrogen generation/accumulation has caused numerous cylinder failures in DOT 1800 compressed gas “lecture” cylinders. Chemical reactions due to prolonged storage of Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride (AHF) and Hydrogen Bromide (AHBr) compressed gases and the Anhydrous Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) compound can cause over pressurization, resulting in catastrophic cylinder and valve failure.

Every worker, student, and laboratory technician should learn to recognize and safely manage these unstable compounds, each of which has its own pressurization, handling and disposal requirements. However, a good cylinder management program demands that an individual be designated to oversee the process of controlling inventories, creating a tracking system, periodically visually inspecting cylinders and valves, and ensuring the proper handling and disposal of cylinders.

This presentation will address the risks and management of AHF, AHBr and HCN lecture cylinders and will discuss the handling, storage and management requirements for each. It will outline specific management steps and define the elements of an effective cylinder management program.