Safety
Tradegas Cylinder Safety
Cylinders are filled with pressurised gas and every aspect of their use is subject to strict regulation.
Pressures vary from 850 psi (50 Bar) for pure carbon dioxide up to 3000 psi (200 Bar) for a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. By law, cylinders have to be tested every five or ten years, depending on the type of product. This inspection includes:
visual examination of the interior of the cylinder
re-weighing of the cylinder
high pressure hydraulic test to ensure that the strength of the cylinder has not deteriorated
re-paint to ensure the cylinder is well presented and does not corrode before its next test
re-valve with a new or reconditioned valve to ensure that water cannot enter the cylinder before its next five year test
metal stamp and re-label to confirm that the cylinder has been tested by an accredited test company.
These tests ensure that cylinders are safe, undamaged, not corroded and can continue to withstand high service pressures.
CO2 Gas Detectors
Dispense gases do not contain oxygen and cannot sustain life. They are also invisible and odourless, so if there is a small leak you will not see or smell the gas.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide is a toxic gas. It is heavier than air and, if there is a leak from CO2 cylinder, it tends to accumulate on the floor and pushes the oxygen-rich air upwards. Breathing air with increased concerntrations of carbon dioxide gas can lead to effects ranging from heavy breathing and a feeling of suffocation through loss of consciousness to asphyxiation.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is not toxic, but can cause asphyxiation by reducing the concentration of oxygen in the air in a cellar.
The best ways to protect yourself and your staff against an accidental gas leak are:
Make sure that you comply with all the regulations that apply to licensed premises.
Always follow "best practise" cellar management procedures.
Install a CO2 gas monitor.
Trade gas can supply and fit gas detection units.
Dealing with a gas leak
You should check your dispensing systems every day for faults by checking that all nuts and seals are tight and listerning for hissing sounds. If you suspect that a leak has occurred, you must put into operation emergency gas procedures immediately.
Small gas leaks
In this case, take the following steps:
first...
ventilate the cellar by opening all doors and cellar flaps prevent anyone from entering the cellar.
then enter the cellar...
Tell someone that you are about to go into the cellar, why, and how long you thing you will be there.
Turn and close off the carbod dioxide or mixed gas cylinder valve.
Spray the cellar floor with water (carbon dioxide is very soluble in water).
When you return from the cellar, tell the person you informed earlier.
Let someone know whether it is now safe to enter.
If at any time you feel the effects of increased carbon dioxide concentration (feeling short of breath, breathing faster), leave the cellar immediately and call for assistance.
Major gas leak
A major gas leak can be caused by plant failure, or by a pipe or busting disc rupturing.
A bursting disc is a quick pressure release system that ruptures if the pressure in the cylinder rises above a certain limit. It is designed to release the contents so that the cylinder itslef doesn't burst. If a bursting disc ruptures, there will be a sudden loud noise and a plume of white vapour as the gas is released. Also, the cylinder may fall over.
If there is a major gas leak, take the following steps:
First...
If you can do it without entering the cellar, turn off the gas supply.
Then...
Inform all staff and evacuate the afftected area.
Call for assistance.
Do not let anyone go into the cellar - under any circumstances - until you are sure it is safe to do so.
Open all outside doors and windows to ventilate the area.
Close all doors to passages leading to any place where carbon dioxide could accumulate.
Leave the cellar refrigeration switched on - the fans will help to disperse the gas.
If a bursting disc has ruptured, the cylinder surface temperature will be below freezing - do not touch a frosted cylinder without wearing protective gloves.
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