When dealing with high-pressure gases, cylinder technicians need to be aware of the numerous hazards: Corrosion, falling cylinders dislodging valves, burst discs rupturing, and decibel levels of escaping gases. The technician, or anyone handling a high-pressure cylinder, needs to be aware of the cylinder and its surroundings during use.
Ships and buildings are outfitted with inert gas fire suppression systems. In the event of a fire, the cylinder valves activate, filling a room or compartment with inert gas, displacing the oxygen. Since fire requires oxygen to continue combustion, removing the oxygen from the room or compartment stops the fire.
This specific incident involved two employees moving a 600 psi (41 bar) Halon (fire suppression) cylinder to be weighed. Not knowing the exact specifications of this 4BW cylinder or capacity it is within the range of 48” (1.2m) tall and around 200 lbs (90 kilos).
In 2018 a fire started at a residential property. It immediately got the attention of the neighbors, who started battling the fire with a garden hose. The residence on fire was using high pressure gas cylinders for a private business venture. The heat of the fire affected the gas cylinders stored on the property, and they began rupturing.
In August of 2019, a wedding DJ was using a carbon dioxide cylinder for effects during a wedding celebration. There was an incident reported as an explosion involving the cylinder and stating three people were injured. As in most immediate news reports, accuracy was not key, and there was not much follow up to the initial claims of the explosion.
Oxygen cylinders are used by professionals to help save lives and heal the injured. Oxygen is a life sustaining gas and the use of it can help heal when used properly. Oxygen cylinders are commonly seen in ambulances, hospitals, airplanes, care facilities, dive operations and persons’ private homes; places where it can be accessed quickly and easily when needed.
