4
4 . Before system startup, it is recommended that all systems be pressure tested, leak tested, and purged
with an inert gas such as nitrogen. To accomplish this with connections other than a CGA 580, it will be nec-
essary to use an adapter. The recommended use of an adapter is for temporary use, for start-up and system
checks only. Adapters should never be used on a permanent basis.
GENERAL SAFETY PRACTICES
!
CAUTION
√ Comply with precautions listed in C.G.A. Pamphlet P-1, Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Contaiers.
√ Consult the cylinder distributor for the proper use of cylinders and for any restrictions on their use (such as
flow rate and temperature requirements).
√ Store cylinders with valve caps screwed on, and cylinders chained to a supporting wall or column.
√ Handle cylinders carefully and only with valve caps screwed on. The cap will reduce the chance that the
cylinder valve will break off if the cylinder is accidentally dropped or falls over. The cap also protects the
cylinder valve from damage to screw threads, which could cause leaky connections.
√ All manifolds used with flammable gases should be provided with approved flashback arrestors to stop any
burning gas in the pipeline from getting back to the manifold or cylinders.
√ No smoking should be permitted near oxygen, nitrous oxide, any other oxidizer, flammable gases, or
flammable mixtures, or in areas where cylinders are stored.
√ Never lift gas cylinders with a magnetic lifting device.
√ Never use an open flame when leak testing.
√
Before disconnecting nearly empty cylinders, always rotate the priority valve 180º so that the arrow on the
knob is pointing to the in-use (full) side of the switchover.
!
CAUTION
√ Always close all manifold station and cylinder valves on the nearly empty side of the switchover before
disconnecting the pigtail CGA fitting.
√ Always stand to the side and slowly open the pigtail cylinder connection nut.
√ Always tighten the CGA on all new cylinders before opening any valves.
√ Always open valves slowly when high-pressure gases are being used.
√ Always be sure that a cylinder contains the correct gas before connecting it to any manifold.
√ Always leak-test any manifold or distribution pipeline before using.
√ Always be sure that the gas in a pipeline is the correct gas for the intended use.
√ Always close all cylinder valves before disconnecting cylinders from a manifold.
√ Always test cylinders to be sure the cylinders are full before connecting to a manifold.
All gas distribution piping systems must meet the appropriate industrial standards for the intended service
and must be thoroughly cleaned before using. For the United States, some applicable safety rules and
precautions are listed below:
1. American National Standards Institute Standard Z49.1, Safety in Welding and Cutting, American
Welding Society, 2501 NW Seventh Street, Miami, Florida 33125
2. N.F.P.A. Standard 55, Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code N.F.P.A., 470 Atlantic Avenue,
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
3. N.F.P.A. Standard 51B, Cutting and Welding Processes (same address as #2).
4. CONCOA publication ADE 872, Safety Precautions in Welding and Cutting.
5. Local Ordinances
6. O.S.H.A. Standard 29 CFR
7. C.G.A. Pamphlet C-4, American National Standard Method of Marking Portable Compressed Gas
Containers to Identify the Material Contained.
