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IV. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Many specialty gases are hazardous in nature. It is important that the User of the
equipment carefully review the hazards associated with the gas to be used with the
associated equipment. NOTE: refer to the MSDS that was shipped with the gas,
as to the specific hazards associated with that gas. Also, refer to all applicable
inserts contained with the equipment for additional precautions and operating
instructions.
2. Before using any equipment on toxic, corrosive, pyrophoric, flammable or other
Hazardous gas, test the leak integrity of the equipment using an inert gas. Make
certain that the equipment purchased is suitable for the application intended.
3. Make certain that the equipment delivered to the User conforms to the specifications
of the User. The User is responsible for selecting equipment compatible with gases
that are to be used, physical parameters of operation and performance, and normal
material compatibilities. Selection information can be found in MATHESON
Catalogs, MATHESON Tech Briefs and in the MATHESON Gas Data Book. In
addition, any MATHESON representative would be pleased to aid in the selection of
specific equipment.
4. Before installation of the equipment onto the cylinder of compressed or liquefied
gas, carefully inspect the equipment for visible signs of damage or contamination.
Close attention should be given to all exposed and connecting threads, where there
should be no visible signs of wear or abuse. Also examine the equipment for any
loose parts outside of those that must swivel for connection to the gas cylinder or
Outlet lines. Examine the inlet and outlet of the equipment for signs of
contamination with dirt, grease or any other foreign material. If any foreign
materials are present and cannot be removed from the equipment easily with a cloth,
or if the threads on any components of the equipment appear to be abused as
indicated above, or any of the components appear to be loose, return the equipment
immediately to MATHESON’s Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania facility for service.
5. Before installation of the equipment onto a compressed or liquefied gas cylinder,
move the cylinder(s) to the point of use and secure the cylinder before removing
the cylinder’s outer cap. Check the cylinder valve as in step 4 for possible
contamination and defective or loose parts. If for any reason the cylinder appears
to be faulty as noted here, return the outer cap to the top of the cylinder, and
remove the cylinder from the work area. Call the supplier of the cylinder for
immediate pick-up.
6. When using any hazardous gas, the cylinder should be placed under an exhaust hood
or in a suitable safety enclosure. Before connection of the gas equipment to the gas
cylinder, make certain that the CGA connection on the cylinder matches the CGA
connection on the equipment. CGA connections are fitted to the equipment to
prevent its use with any incompatible gases.
WARNING: ANY ALTERATIONS TO THE EQUIPMENT, TO ALLOW ITS USE
WITH GASES OTHER THAN THE GAS TYPE FOR WHICH IT WAS
ORDERED, CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT BE
ATTEMPTED. CONSULT MATHESON’S ENGINEERING TECHNICAL
SERVICES GROUP BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY ALTERATIONS TO GAS
EQUIPMENT.
