I recently wrote about safety concerns related to lifting cryogenic liquid cylinders overhead. A number of questions have been received related to safe methods for moving and handling liquid cylinders. Rightfully so as there are a lot more liquid cylinders moved along the ground than lifted overhead. In turn, there is a lot more opportunity for injury and damage resulting from improper handling.
What are the risks related to moving liquid cylinders?
- Back, muscle and joint strain
- Broken bones
- Crushed toes, feet, fingers and hands
- Cuts from cracked or broken handling rings and site glasses.
- Damage to liquid cylinders that are dropped or tipped over including broken necks and inner leaks
- Broken site gauge and covers
- Damage to other equipment or fixtures hit by a dropped liquid cylinder
There are a number of resources for information on proper care and handling of liquid cylinders including manufacturer’s operating instructions and CGA Publication P-30 which can be purchased and downloaded on line. We’ll also continue to hit items here.
One for today is the suggestion that cryogenic liquid cylinders be moved using a safe cart or carrier. This is especially true for full liquid cylinders that commonly weigh from 650 to over 1000 pounds. Carts designed specifically for moving liquid cylinders have a hook that catches the hole in the handling ring support bracket. They also have wheels that the liquid cylinder rests on when tilted back to avoid reliance on brute force to keep the cart from dropping.
Nothing is ever a problem until if becomes a problem and then it is usually too late to get the toothpaste back in the tube. I get enough calls on this issue to know it is a frequent issue. This might be the best week yet to go do a little audit of how your folk are handling liquid cylinders and what improvements you might be able to make in your methods.
What are the risks related to moving liquid cylinders?
- Back, muscle and joint strain
- Broken bones
- Crushed toes, feet, fingers and hands
- Cuts from cracked or broken handling rings and site glasses.
- Damage to liquid cylinders that are dropped or tipped over including broken necks and inner leaks
- Broken site gauge and covers
- Damage to other equipment or fixtures hit by a dropped liquid cylinder
There are a number of resources for information on proper care and handling of liquid cylinders including manufacturer’s operating instructions and CGA Publication P-30 which can be purchased and downloaded on line. We’ll also continue to hit items here.
One for today is the suggestion that cryogenic liquid cylinders be moved using a safe cart or carrier. This is especially true for full liquid cylinders that commonly weigh from 650 to over 1000 pounds. Carts designed specifically for moving liquid cylinders have a hook that catches the hole in the handling ring support bracket. They also have wheels that the liquid cylinder rests on when tilted back to avoid reliance on brute force to keep the cart from dropping.
Nothing is ever a problem until if becomes a problem and then it is usually too late to get the toothpaste back in the tube. I get enough calls on this issue to know it is a frequent issue. This might be the best week yet to go do a little audit of how your folk are handling liquid cylinders and what improvements you might be able to make in your methods.
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