🧴 Manual for Work with Gas Bottles

In case of emergency

Inhalation

• Take the injured person out of the danger area and into the fresh air while protecting yourself.
• Lay the injured person down calmly and protect them from hypothermia.
• ​​If unconscious and breathing, place them in the recovery position.
• In the meantime, call an ambulance.
• If breathing is difficult, have them inhale oxygen.
• If breathing stops, give mouth-to-nose resuscitation; if not possible, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Keep the airways clear.

Emergency contacts:

• Emergency services:
  • 030 314 2 3333 or 112
• First-aiders:
  • Delf Kober
  • Andreas Strasser.
• Lab responsible:
  • Peter Kraus: 030 314 77803

Eye or skin contact

• Rinse under running water (emergency eye shower) for at least 15 minutes with the eyelids open. See an ophthalmologist immediately!
• Wash exposed skin areas carefully with soap and water and remove heavily exposed clothing to be on the safe side.

Substances may require special handling

Observe any special instructions required in handling of individual substances!

1. Purpose

This document supplements the valid BA: Druckgasflaschen by detailing instructions for:

• Work with pressurized gas bottles
• Work with carbon monoxide (CO) and ammonia (NH_3)

2. Risks

• Life-threatening / Toxic / Harmful substances when inhaled
• Danger of asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen
• Danger of fire due to highly flammable gas
• Risk of injury due to gas escaping under high pressure
• Risk of to cold burns due to expanding gases
• Risk of explosions due to of heat or fire
• Risk of injury during mechanical work during transport and installation

3. Operating manual

• Always use mobile gas sensors when working with CO or NH_3
• When working in enclosed spaces, ensure good ventilation
• Only transport/store compressed gas bottles with the protective cap screwed on and using a cylinder trolley. Do not transport gases in elevators together with people.
• In all operating conditions, gas bottles must be secured against tipping over and protected from heat.
• Place compressed gas bottles in safety cabinets. Do not store gas bottles in the room.
• When changing gas bottles:
  • Refer to 🗄️ Manual Gas Cabinet for work with the ventilated gas bottle cabinet in Lab 10a.
  • Refer to 🗄️ Manual NH$_3$ Cabinet for work with the outside gas bottle cabinet for NH_3 storage.
  • An accompanying person must always be present outside the laboratory.
  • Always open the window.
  • Always check the valves of filled and empty gas bottles for leaks

General

• Only open/close gas bottles by hand, do not use force.
• Flush the gas system with dry inert gas (N_2 or Ar) before introducing the gas and when system has been taken out of operation.
• Only use tested fittings approved for the type of gas.
• Check the entire gas system for leaks before use and regularly afterwards!
• Close valves after each use and after emptying.
• Do not grease/oil, especially with oxidizing gases such as O_2.
• Secure flashback arresters and hoses with clamps and ties.

Organizational measures

• Only handle gas bottles after instruction and training.
• Store oxidizing and flammable gases separately – 2 m away.
• Only use compressed gas cylinders with clearly visible labels.
• Check that the sealing rings are present and are not damaged.
• Open the main valve carefully and slowly, then open the extraction valve.
• Do not completely empty the cylinders.
• If inspection periods have expired, arrange for inspection by the supplier.

Personal protective measures

• Wear safety shoes.
• Wear safety glasses with side protection.
• Wear work gloves when handling compressed gas cylinders.
• Wear flame-retardant, antistatic protective clothing.
• Never blow clothing down with compressed gases, especially oxygen.