Access our digital online 2024-5 Safety Catalogue

Access 240 pages of market leading safety products with our easy to use online digital catalogue.

The 2024-5 Safety Catalogue.

Total Lab Supplies is pleased to announce our 2024-5 Safety Catalogue is now online.  Click the link here.

Browse and search the catalogue, put together an order, add your details and click send.  We’ll get your order and process it!  It’s that simple.

The digital catalogue covers safety signs, posters, GHS labels, first aid, fire extinguishers, PPE, Spill kits, safety storage cabinets and much much more.

240 pages of products.

Whatever your needs we will be able to offer something to suit.  There’s a wide range of signage available covering safe condition, fire safety, prohibition, mandatory and hazard signs.  Also available are a range of winter items such as de-icing salt and grit bins.  We can also supply custom signs too on request!

The catalogue features infection control products, cleaning and waste management as well as manual handling products and PPE to help around the workplace.

We have paper copies available, stocks permitting, so contact us  now to request yours.

For more offers, visit our News Page

Hotplate Safety

Total Lab Supplies offer a wide range of hotplates and hotplate/stirrers.  The Stuart range is well known in laboratories and they offer some good advice on the operation of these units.

• Do not use hotplates to heat inflammable liquids.
• Never lift or carry a hotplate until it has been switched off and allowed to cool for at least 30 minutes. A hot warning light will give guidance.
• A hotplate should be carried using both hands with the fingers under the side edges.
• Never move or carry a unit with containers on the top plate or while still connected to the mains supply.
• There is a danger of liquid spillage if containers are over-filled and stirred at high speed. Always build stirrer speed slowly and never stir more rapidly than necessary
• NEVER place a cold glass vessel onto a hotplate which is already hot.

When using a ceramic hotplates like the Stuart UC152 at temperatures over 180ºC, the base of any equipment used must not make contact with the ceramic plate outside the Hot Zone or heated plate area.

The use of a Stuart SCT1 temperature controller allows accurate temperature control of aqueous and oil based samples in the laboratory and can be used in two different modes, as a precise temperature controller from 20 to 200°C or as a digital thermometer from -4 to 325°C.

Care when preparing media

Take particular care when heating liquids having a high viscosity. Viscous liquids can act as thermal insulators and can cause thermal breakage of the glassware. This is very important with media solutions as the viscosity will usually increase as the temperature rises.

• Check that the stirring action is sufficient to agitate the whole of the liquid.  Unstirred areas in the liquid can result in uneven heat transfer and “hot spots” in the glassware. This can induce thermal stress and so cause failure.
• Check the stirring action regularly to ensure that it remains adequate as the viscosity of the solution increases.
• Always use the largest magnetic follower possible and if necessary, use a mechanical overhead stirrer.
• Do not use glass vessels with thick walls, e.g. Pyrex Heavy Duty Ware or standard beakers and flasks having capacities of 5 litres or greater.
• NEVER heat glass bottles on a hotplate.
• Ensure that the heat is built up slowly to avoid localised overheating.
• Ensure the glassware is completely free from scratches or other defects.
• Place the hotplate in a tray large enough to contain the liquid in the event of glassware failure.
• Wear the appropriate safety clothing e.g. gloves, goggles, protective apron etc.

Following these guidelines using a stirrer/hotplate should ensure trouble free use.

 For all your hotplate/stirrer needs please get in touch

2019 Safety Catalogue

The 2019 Total Lab Supplies Safety Catalogue is out now.

It covers safety signs, posters, GHS labels, first aid, fire extinguishers, PPE, Spill kits, safety storage cabinets and much more.

Contact our sales desk now to request your copy.

Magnesium

Magnesium has the atomic number 12 and is an alkaline earth metal with the symbol Mg. It is a common element, the eighth-most-abundant element in the Earth's crust and ninth in the known universe as a whole. Magnesium is the fourth-most-common element in the Earth as a whole (behind iron, oxygen and silicon), making up 13% of the planet's mass and a large fraction of the planet's mantle.

The free element (metal) is not found naturally on Earth, as it is highly reactive (though once produced, it is coated in a thin layer of oxide (see passivation), which partly masks this reactivity). The free metal burns with a characteristic brilliant-white light, making it a useful ingredient in flares. You probably remember burning Magnesium Ribbon in school.  Some of the light that burning magnesium produces is in the ultraviolet range. Just as ultraviolet light will burn your skin, it will also burn the retinas of your eyes if they are not protected, hence not looking directly at the light or using suitable safety eyewear.

Since magnesium is less dense than aluminium, these alloys are prized for their relative lightness and strength.

Magnesium has many uses, but most of us are familiar with aluminium-magnesium alloys, which are often found in cell phones and other electronic gadgets that must be strong yet light weight. Gardeners and tropical fish hobbyists are also very familiar with magnesium, since plants need it to grow (a magnesium deficiency is indicated by yellow leaves).  Animals need small amounts of magnesium to support proper bodily functions too.

For more information visit:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium
http://www.theguardian.com/science/punctuated-equilibrium/2011/may/13/1?guni=Article:in%20body%20link

What is a Rotary Evaporator?

A rotary evaporator is a device used in laboratories for the efficient and gentle removal of solvents from samples by evaporation. Scientists often talk about a sample being evaporated under reduced pressure - ie in a rotary evaporator.

Rotary evaporators are also used in molecular cooking for the preparation of distillates and extracts.

 

The main components of a rotary evaporator are:

1. A motor unit that rotates the evaporation flask or vial containing the user's sample.
2. A vapour duct that is the axis for sample rotation, and is a vacuum-tight conduit for the vapour being drawn off of the sample.
3. A vacuum system, to substantially reduce the pressure within the evaporator system.
4. A heated fluid bath (generally water) to heat the sample.
5. A condenser with either a coil passing coolant, or a "cold finger" into which coolant mixtures such as dry ice and acetone are placed.
6. A condensate-collecting flask at the bottom of the condenser, to catch the distilling solvent after it re-condenses.
7. A mechanical or motorised mechanism to quickly lift the evaporation flask from the heating bath.

The vacuum system used with rotary evaporators can be as simple as a water aspirator with a trap immersed in a cold bath (for non-toxic solvents), or as complex as a regulated mechanical vacuum pump with refrigerated trap.

Glassware used in the vapour stream and condenser can be simple or complex, depending upon the goals of the evaporation, and any propensities the dissolved compounds might give to the mixture (e.g., to foam or "bump").

Commercial instruments are available that include the basic features, and various traps are manufactured to insert between the evaporation flask and the vapour duct. Modern equipment often adds features such as digital control of vacuum such as the KNF SC950 unit shown below, digital display of temperature and rotational speed, and vapour temperature sensing.

Users of rotary evaporators must take precautions to avoid contact with rotating parts, particularly entanglement of loose clothing, hair, or necklaces. Under these circumstances, the winding action of the rotating parts can draw the users into the apparatus resulting in breakage of glassware, burns, and chemical exposure. Extra caution must also be applied to operations with air reactive materials, especially when under vacuum. A leak can draw air into the apparatus and a violent reaction can occur.  Care must also be taken to avoid implosions resulting from use of glassware that contains flaws, such as star-cracks. Explosions may occur from concentrating unstable impurities during evaporation.

What would it be like... if you could just disappear from the daily lab routine? As easily and quickly as liquid escapes from the rotary evaporator? This is the fantasy in the IKA image video above.

For more information visit:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_evaporator
https://www.prlabs.co.uk/news/article.php?Id=120
http://www.knf.co.uk/products/laboratory-pumps/product/categories/vacuum-pump-systems/
http://www.ika.com/Products-Lab-Eq/Rotary-Evaporators-Rotary-evaporator-distilling-distillation-cph-35/
http://www.heidolph-instruments.com/products/rotary-evaporators/
http://www.stuart-equipment.com/category.asp?dsl=118&mnu=23

All available through P&R Labpak Limited

Hearing Protection

Exposure to noise at work causing hearing loss is still a significant occupational illness.

Employers have a duty of care to protect their employees while at work and this may mean providing personal protective equipment.  In the case of loud environments this may be ear plugs or ear muffs.

It can be tempting to pick the hearing protection with the highest level of protection (or attenuation), however 'over attenuation' can bring it's own problems.  If the sound level at the ear is reduced too far, the wearer can become isolated, unable to hear people's voices, moving vehicles or warning sounds/alarms.

In a workplace where noise may be an issue the noise level needs to be measured.  This is covered by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.  Between 80 and 85db(A) hearing protection is not compulsory but is made available to workers for their comfort and protection.  Above this hearing protection is compulsory.  These regulations give a new limit of 87db at the ear (under hearing protective equipment) which must not be exceeded.

Ear plugs can be used against various sound levels which are normally disposable.  Alternatively ear muffs similar to those shown above can be used.

Please check out the link below for more information.
http://www.prlabs.co.uk/news/article.php?Id=209
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_protective_equipment

The Laboratory Coat.

A white coat or laboratory coat is a knee-length overcoat worn by professionals in the medical field or by those involved in laboratory work. The coat protects their everyday clothes and also serves as a simple uniform. The garment is made from white or light-coloured cotton,  or cotton polyester blend, allowing it to be washed at high temperature and make it easy to see if it is clean.
 
When used in the laboratory, they protect against accidental spills, e.g. acids. In this case they usually have long sleeves and are made of an absorbent material, such as cotton, so that the user can be protected from the chemical. Some lab coats have buttons at the end of the sleeves, to secure them around the wrist so that they do not hang into beakers of chemicals.
 
For added safety, a variant of the lab coat, called a "Howie" style lab coat is often adopted . It is called that after a 1978 report commissioned by the UK department of Health and Social Security to codify standard clinical laboratory practices, chaired by a JW Howie. Among the codified standards was protective clothing - the type of wrap around full-coverage lab coat which had been in use in the UK for over a hundred years was nicknamed the "Howie-Style" coat to indicate its compliance with the provisions of this report. It has the buttons on the left flank, elasticated wrists and a mandarin collar and is quite similar to a chef's uniform and designed to minimise pathogen contact with street clothes.
 

Although, most lab coats are not designed to be impermeable to hazardous substances or flameproof, they provide additional safety because they can be quickly removed to isolate harmful exposures or flames.

 

• Do wear a lab coat when a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Assessment of the laboratory determines hazards to the body are present or likely to be present. A good rule of thumb is to wear a lab coat at all times when working in a lab.
• Do wear lab coats that cover the knees and have full length sleeves.
• Do keep lab coats completely buttoned up. Snap closures are preferred over buttons or zippers to keep the body covered and allow quick removal in an emergency
• Do immediately remove a lab coat if on fire or if there is obvious hazardous contamination
• Do consider the addition of a rubber apron when there is a significant chance of exposure to corrosive materials
• Do keep lab coats clean.  If they become contaminated they should be decontaminated or cleaned on site, sent away for cleaning by professionals who have been informed of the hazards or disposed of as a hazardous material.
• Don't wear lab coats unbuttoned as that can compromise a wearers safety

 

If you know or suspect that your laboratory coat has become contaminated with hazardous chemicals follow these rules:

• If the chemical is safe to dispose to drains (e.g. most Acids and Alkalis), rinse it clean in water before sending it to be laundered.
• If the spill was a solvent it must have completely evaporated off before it is cleaned.
• Toxic chemicals spilt on a lab coat will require that it be disposed of via chemical waste.



Lab Coats

P&R Labpak Limited offer a range of laboratory coats and currently have some on special offer.  Terms and conditions apply.

Please visit http://www.prlabs.co.uk/news/article.php?Id=195 for details.
http://www.prlabs.co.uk/news/article.php?Id=294

 

 

 

 

The Amazing Properties of Copper

New research has revealed that the use of Antimicrobial Copper surfaces in hospital rooms can reduce the number of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) by 58% as compared to patients treated in Intensive Care Units with non-copper touch surfaces.

In the United States, 1 out of every 20 hospital patients develops an HAI, resulting in an estimated 100,000 deaths per year. Although numerous strategies have been developed to decrease these infections, Antimicrobial Copper is the only strategy that works continuously, has been scientifically proven to be effective and doesn’t depend on human behaviour, according to a recently published study in the SHEA Journal of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
“The implications of this study are critical,” said Dr. Harold Michels, Senior Vice President of the Copper Development Association (CDA). “Until now, the only attempts to reduce HAIs have required hand hygiene, increased cleaning and patient screening, which don’t necessarily stop the growth of these bacteria the way copper alloy surfaces do. We now know that copper is the game-changer: it has the potential to save lives.”


Intensive Care Units See the Benefit of Copper Alloys

The study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defence, was conducted in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of three major hospitals: The Medical University of South Carolina, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York City and the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Centre in Charleston, South Carolina. To determine the impact of copper alloy surfaces on the rate of HAIs, copper-surfaced objects were placed in each ICU, where patients are at higher risk due to the severity of their illnesses, invasive procedures and frequent interaction with healthcare workers. Patients were randomly placed in available rooms with or without copper alloy surfaces, and the rates of HAIs were compared. A total of 650 patients and 16 rooms (8 copper and 8 standard) were studied between July 12, 2010 and June 14, 2011.

Results of this study, that appeared last July in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, found that Antimicrobial Copper can continuously kill 83% of bacteria that cause HAIs within two hours, including strands resistant to antibiotics. The study compared copper to equivalent non-copper touch surfaces during active patient care between routine cleaning and sanitizing.

“Copper alloy surfaces offer an alternative way to reduce the increasing number of HAIs, without having to worry about changing healthcare worker behaviour,” said Dr. Michael Schmidt, Vice Chairman of Microbiology and Immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina and one of the authors of the study. “Because the antimicrobial effect is a continuous property of copper, the regrowth of deadly bacteria is significantly less on these surfaces, making a safer environment for hospital patients.”
In study results, 46 patients developed an HAI, while 26 patients became colonized with MRSA or VRE. Overall, the proportion of patients who developed an HAI was significantly lower among those assigned to intensive care rooms with objects fabricated using copper alloys. There are currently hundreds of Antimicrobial Copper healthcare-related products available today, including IV poles, stretchers, tray tables and door hardware.

This study was so successful that an interdisciplinary team from UCLA began replicating this research in July 2012. The team is testing ICUs with Antimicrobial Copper at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre.
For more information about Antimicrobial Copper, visit http://www.antimicrobialcopper.com.

Numerous antimicrobial efficacy studies have been conducted in the past 10 years regarding copper’s efficacy to destroy a wide range of bacteria, as well as influenza A virus, adenovirus, and fungi.
Copper-alloy touch surfaces have natural intrinsic properties to destroy a wide range of microorganisms. Some 355 copper alloys were proven to kill more than 99.9% of disease-causing bacteria within just two hours when cleaned regularly. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the registrations of these copper alloys as “antimicrobial materials with public health benefits," which allows manufacturers to legally make claims as to the positive public health benefits of products made with registered antimicrobial copper alloys. In addition, the EPA has approved a long list of antimicrobial copper products made from these alloys, such as bedrails, handrails, over-bed tables, sinks, faucets, door knobs, toilet hardware, computer keyboards, health club equipment, shopping cart handles, etc. Copper doorknobs are used by hospitals to reduce the transfer of disease, and Legionnaires' disease is suppressed by copper tubing in plumbing systems. Antimicrobial copper alloy products are now being installed in healthcare facilities in the U.K., Ireland, Japan, Korea, France, Denmark, Brazil and Chile amongst other.

Hydrofluoric Acid

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a solution of hydrogen fluoride in water. It is a valued source of fluorine and is a precursor to numerous pharmaceuticals such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and diverse materials such as PTFE (Teflon).

Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive acid, capable of dissolving many materials, especially oxides. Its ability to dissolve glass has been known since the 17th century, even before hydrofluoric acid had been prepared in large quantities by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1771. Because of its high reactivity toward glass and moderate reactivity toward many metals, hydrofluoric acid is usually stored in plastic containers (although PTFE is slightly permeable to it).

Hydrogen fluoride gas is an acute poison that may immediately and permanently damage lungs and the corneas of the eyes. Aqueous hydrofluoric acid is a contact-poison with the potential for deep, initially painless burns and ensuing tissue death. By interfering with body calcium metabolism, the concentrated acid may also cause systemic toxicity and eventual cardiac arrest and fatality, after contact with as little as 160 cm² (25 square inches) of skin.

Production
Hydrofluoric acid is produced by treatment of the mineral fluorite (CaF₂) with concentrated sulphuric acid. When combined at 265 °C, these two substances react to produce hydrogen fluoride and calcium sulphate according to the following chemical equation:

CaF₂ + H₂SO₄ → 2 HF + CaSO₄

Although bulk fluorite is a suitable precursor and a major source of world HF production, HF is also produced as a by-product of the production of phosphoric acid, which is derived from the mineral apatite. Apatite sources typically contain a few percent of fluoroapatite, acid digestion of which releases gaseous stream consisting of sulphur dioxide (from the H₂SO₄), water, and HF, as well as particulates. After separation from the solids, the gases are treated with sulphuric acid and oleum to afford anhydrous HF. Owing to the corrosive nature of HF, its production is accompanied by the dissolution of silicate minerals, and, in this way, significant amounts of fluorosilicic acid is generated.

Health & Safety

Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive liquid and is a contact poison. It should be handled with extreme care, beyond that accorded to other mineral acids. Owing to its low dissociation constant, HF as a neutral lipid-soluble molecule penetrates tissue more rapidly than typical mineral acids. Because of the ability of hydrofluoric acid to penetrate tissue, poisoning can occur readily through exposure of skin or eyes, or when inhaled or swallowed. Symptoms of exposure to hydrofluoric acid may not be immediately evident. HF interferes with nerve function, meaning that burns may not initially be painful. Accidental exposures can go unnoticed, delaying treatment and increasing the extent and seriousness of the injury.

Once absorbed into blood through the skin, it reacts with blood calcium and may cause cardiac arrest. Burns with areas larger than 25 square inches (160 cm²) have the potential to cause serious systemic toxicity from interference with blood and tissue calcium levels. In the body, hydrofluoric acid reacts with the ubiquitous biologically important ions Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. Formation of insoluble calcium fluoride is proposed as the etiology for both precipitous fall in serum calcium and the severe pain associated with tissue toxicity. In some cases, exposures can lead to hypocalcemia. Thus, hydrofluoric acid exposure is often treated with calcium gluconate, a source of Ca²⁺ that sequesters the fluoride ions. HF chemical burns can be treated with a water wash and 2.5% calcium gluconate gel. or special rinsing solutions. However, because it is absorbed, medical treatment is necessary; rinsing off is not enough. Intra-arterial infusions of calcium chloride have also shown great effectiveness in treating burns.

P&R Labpak can supply HF antidote gel - just ask for details.

For more information visit:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrofluoric_acid
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg307.pdf
This link covers HF poisoning, effects and precautions

The Safe use of Gas Cylinders

Following on from last week's article on Liquid Nitrogen, this week we take a quick look at the safe use of gas cylinders.
 
INTRODUCTION

Accidents involving gas cylinders can cause serious injury or even death. HSE guidance provides simple practical advice on eliminating or reducing the risks associated with using gas cylinders.

 

The legal term that covers gas cylinders is “pressure receptacle”. This is a generic term covering a number of types of pressure receptacle: tube, pressure drum, cryogenic receptacle, bundle of cylinders as well as cylinders themselves, plus the valve(s) fitted directly to the receptacle. But for the purpose of this guidance, the term “gas cylinder” shall be taken to mean all these various types of pressure receptacle.

 

Gas cylinders used in adverse or extreme conditions, such as for breathing apparatus, may require special precautions. Although the advice in this guidance is valid for all uses of gas cylinders these special precautions, such as different frequencies for periodic inspections, are not covered.

 

As an employer or self-employed person, you have a duty to provide a safe workplace and safe work equipment. Designers, inspectors, manufacturers, suppliers, users and owners also have duties.

 

Employers have a further duty to consult any safety or employee representatives on health and safety matters. Where none are appointed, employers should consult the workforce directly.

 

The main hazards are:

• Impact from the blast of a gas cylinder explosion or rapid release of compressed gas;
• Impact from parts of gas cylinders or valves that fail, or any flying debris
• Contact with the released gas or fluid (such as chlorine);
• Fire resulting from the escape of flammable gases or fluids (such as liquefied petroleum gas);
• Impact from falling cylinders;
• Manual handling injuries;

The main causes of accidents are

• Inadequate training and supervision
• Poor installation;
• Poor examination and maintenance;
• Faulty equipment and / or design (eg badly fitted valves and regulators);
• Poor handling;
• Poor storage;
• Inadequately ventilated working conditions;
• Incorrect filling procedures;
• Hidden damage

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISKS

Anyone who examines, refurbishes, fills or uses a gas cylinder should be suitably trained and have the necessary skills to carry out their job safely. They should understand the risks associated with the gas cylinder and its contents. In particular:
 

• New employees should receive training and be supervised closely;
• Users should be able to carry out an external visual inspection of the gas cylinder, and any attachments (eg valves, flashback arresters, and regulators), to determine whether they are damaged. Visible indicators may include dents, bulges, evidence of fire damage (scorch marks) and severe grinding marks etc.
• Valves should only be removed by trained personnel using procedures that ensure that either the cylinder does not contain any pressure or that the valve is captured during the removal process.

 Handling and Use

• Use gas cylinders in a vertical position, unless specifically designed to be used otherwise.
• Securely restrain cylinders to prevent them falling over.
• Always double check that the cylinder/gas is the right one for the intended use.
• Before connecting a gas cylinder to equipment or pipework make sure that the regulator and pipework are suitable for the type of gas and pressure being used.
• When required, wear suitable safety shoes and other personal protective equipment when handling gas cylinders.
• Do not use gas cylinders for any other purpose than the transport and storage of gas.
• Do not drop, roll or drag gas cylinders.
• Close the cylinder valve and replace dust caps, where provided, when a gas cylinder is not in use.
• Where appropriate, fit cylinders with residual pressure valves (non-return valves) to reduce the risk of back flow of water or other materials into the cylinder during use that might corrode it (eg beer forced into an empty gas cylinder during cylinder change-over).
• Ensure that the valve is protected by a valve cap or collar or that the valve has been designed to withstand impact if the cylinder is dropped.

Lifting

• Use suitable cradles, slings, clamps or other effective means when lifting cylinders with a hoist or crane.
• Do not use valves, shrouds and caps for lifting cylinders unless they have been designed and manufactured for this purpose.
• Gas cylinders should not be raised or lowered on the forks of lift trucks unless adequate precautions are taken to prevent them from falling.

Transport

• Fit suitable protective valve caps and covers to cylinders, when necessary, before transporting. Caps and covers help prevent moisture and dirt from gathering in the valve of the cylinder, in addition to providing protection during transport.
• Securely stow gas cylinders to prevent them from moving or falling. This is normally in the vertical position, unless instructions for transport state otherwise.
• Disconnect regulators and hoses from cylinders whenever practicable.
• Do not let gas cylinders project beyond the sides or end of a vehicle (eg fork-lift trucks)
• Ensure gas cylinders are clearly marked to show their contents (including their UN Number) and the danger signs associated with their contents.
• It may be necessary to take special measures with certain types and quantities of compressed gases and fluids in order to ensure their safe carriage. If you have any doubts seek further guidance (see Further Advice on page 11).
• The transport of gas cylinders is subject to carriage requirements. For example, that:

i)        The vehicle is suitable for the purpose;
ii)       The vehicle is suitably marked to show that it is carrying dangerous goods;
iii)     The driver is suitably trained; and
iv)      The driver carries the appropriate documentation about the nature of the gases being carried.

Storage

• Gas cylinders should not be stored for excessive periods of time. Only purchase sufficient quantities of gas to cover short-term needs.
• Rotate stocks of gas cylinders to ensure first in is first used.
• Store gas cylinders in a dry, safe place on a flat surface in the open air. If this is not reasonably practicable, store in an adequately ventilated building or part of a building specifically reserved for this purpose.
• Gas cylinders containing flammable gas should not be stored in part of a building used for other purposes.
• Protect gas cylinders from external heat sources that may adversely affect their mechanical integrity.
• Gas cylinders should be stored away from sources of ignition and other flammable materials.
• Avoid storing gas cylinders so that they stand or lie in water.
• Ensure the valve is kept shut on empty cylinders to prevent contaminants getting in.
• Store gas cylinders securely when they are not in use. They should be properly restrained, unless designed to be freestanding.
• Gas cylinders must be clearly marked to show what they contain and the hazards associated with their contents.
• Store cylinders where they are not vulnerable to hazards caused by impact, eg from vehicles such as fork-lift trucks.

While the cylinder label is the primary means of identifying the properties of the gas in a cylinder, the colour coding of the cylinder body provides a further guide.

Cylinder shoulder - European standard colour coding

The colour applied to the shoulder, or curved part at the top of the cylinder, signifies the European standard colour coding.

The aim of the new standard (EN 1089-3), which has replaced the old cylinder colour scheme (BS349), is to help improve safety standards within the gases industry.

A number of gases have been assigned a specific colour and some of these are shown below:

 

 

For more detail you should refer to:

·     The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 (SI 568/2004 The Stationery Office 2004 ISBN 0 11 0490630).

·     The Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999 SI 1999/2001 The Stationery Office 1999 ISBN 0 11 082790 2

·     European Agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road (ADR) and protocol of signature done at Geneva on 30 September 1957 (www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/)

·     Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID)

·     Guidelines on the appointment of conformity assessment bodies for transportable pressure vessels in Great Britain: The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 (copies available from HSE at 020 7717 6303 or from HSE’s web site at http://www.hse.gov.uk/cdg/pressure.htm.

 

Approved construction standards are posted on HSE’s web site http://www.hse.gov.uk/cdg/pressure.htm