R 408.40723
R 408.40723 Cylinders generally.
Cite as Mich. Admin. Code R 408.40723
Rule 723. (1) A chain, bracket, or other restraining device shall be used at all times
to prevent cylinders from falling.
(2) A cylinder shall stand valve end up at all times.
(3) A cylinder shall not be dropped, dragged, rolled on its side, or struck violently.
(4) When using a crane or hoisting device, a cylinder shall be lifted only by cradles
or enclosed platforms. An electromagnet, hook, rope, or sling shall not be used.
(5) A frozen or ice-clogged valve shall be thawed either by warm air or warm water
and shall be dried before using. Boiling water or a flame shall not be used. Force shall not
be applied to a valve or cap to loosen a cylinder frozen in place.
(6) Gases shall not be mixed within a cylinder except by the supplier. Only the
owner of the cylinder, if the owner is qualified, or a person trained, qualified, and
authorized by the owner, shall refill a cylinder. The contents of a cylinder shall be used
only for those purposes intended by the supplier.
(7) A cylinder shall not be placed where it will become a part of the electrical circuit
by accidental grounding or where it may be burned by an electric welding arc. A cylinder
shall not be placed so that hot slag or flame can reach it unless the cylinder is protected
by a fire-resistant shield. An electrode shall not be tapped against a cylinder to strike an
arc.
(8) A regulator, gauge, or hose shall not be interchangeable between fuel gas,
oxidizing gas, or inert gas. Connections for compressed gas cylinders shall be as
prescribed in American National Standard Institute Standard ANSI/ASA B57.1, 1965
edition, “Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections,” which is
adopted by reference in R 408.40709.
(9) A cylinder valve shall be opened slightly for an instant and then closed before
connecting to a regulator or manifold to clear the valve of dust and dirt. The employee
opening the valve shall stand to one side of the outlet, not in front of it. The employee
shall not open the valve near a source of ignition. Pressure to a regulator shall be
introduced by slowly opening the cylinder valve. An acetylene cylinder valve shall only
be opened enough to allow proper working pressure, but shall not be opened more than 1
1/2 turns of the spindle.
(10) Acetylene shall not be utilized or piped, except in cylinder manifolds, at a
pressure in excess of 15 psig.
(11) A cylinder to which a regulator is attached shall not be moved unless secured to
a hand or powered truck designed or equipped for this purpose.
(12) A cylinder valve must be closed in any of the following situations:
(a) When moving the cylinder.
(b) When the work is finished or is left unattended during the lunch period,
overnight, or any other prolonged period.
(c) When the cylinder is empty.
(d) When the regulator is removed.
(13) A cylinder without fixed handwheels shall have keys, handles, or nonadjustable
wrenches on valve stems while in service. A multiple cylinder installation shall require
only 1 key or handle for each manifold.
A hammer shall not be used to open a cylinder valve or loosen a cap.
(14) A cylinder, whether full or empty, shall not be used as a roller or support.
(15) A damaged or a leaking cylinder, a cylinder with a valve stuck open, or a valve
in need of repair shall be taken outdoors away from sources of ignition, tagged with a
warning sign, and the manufacturer or distributor notified. Complete removal of the stem
from the cylinder valve shall be avoided.
(16) Nothing shall be placed on top of the cylinder.