Compressed Air & Gas Policy

Gases kept compressed in storage cylinders are commonly used at many workplaces. Damage to the cylinder valve can cause a rapid release of the gas and propel the heavy metal cylinder like a rocket. Other compressed gases hazards include:

• Flammable gases like acetylene, propane and hydrogen may burn or explode under certain conditions;
• Some compressed gases are toxic and can cause serious health damage;
• Corrosive gases can burn the skin, eyes or lungs and eat away at metals; and
• Inert gases like helium, argon and nitrogen can reduce oxygen levels if they leak into the atmosphere resulting in asphyxiation.

Here’s a template for a Policy you can adapt to prevent these hazards and ensure compliance with OHS compressed gas requirements.