Gases must be handled with care. There are special rules for toxic and flammable gases.
To order, follow VU Amsterdam's ordering procedure. Make sure the gas cylinder cabinets are not used as storage cages. If unsafe, the gas cylinder will not be delivered.
- If necessary, seek advice on connecting and disconnecting gas cylinders from the authorized employee of FCO Logistics.
- Before commissioning a gas, take note of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
- Be certain of the contents of a gas cylinder. Only the impact in the head of the cylinder is decisive, so the color of the cylinder and the thread of the valve are not.
- Avoid heating gas cylinders under all circumstances. The maximum, safe cylinder temperature is 50ºC.
- Prevent internal contamination of cylinders by: - using check valves if necessary; - always leaving a small residual pressure in the cylinder; - closing the valve after use.
- If you suspect that the cylinder is still contaminated, warn FCO Logistics or the supplier.
- Have an empty cylinder disposed of immediately by Teamgevaarlijkestoffen.FCO.logistiek@vu.nl.
- Filling gas cylinders yourself is not permitted.
- Always place gas cylinders in the designated gas cylinder cabinets. Exceptionally, gas cylinders may be left in the work area temporarily, only for the duration of the experiment. A gas cylinder must always be fitted with a main shut-off valve.
Toxic and/or flammable gases
- Draw up in advance, together with the person in charge, a plan for safe use of the gas. The gas should never flow freely into the room.
- When taking safety measures, assume the most dangerous situation where, for example, a serious leak occurs (ruptured main line) and the main valve can no longer be closed.
- Consider installing a gas leak detection system in the work area and/or storage area. Especially if there is a chance of exceeding the limit.
- Place detectors for heavy gases low and for light gases high in the room.
- For high-risk gases, establish a contingency plan together with the faculty safety officer or Occupational Health & Safety & Environment. The measures should be known to colleagues in the area.
Lecture-bottles
- The general rules for gas cylinders apply to these. However, they may be used outside a gas cylinder storage room.
- Always store lecture-bottles not in use in a gas cylinder storage room.
Inspection
- Gas cylinders should be inspected regularly.
- All fittings (regulators, valves, etc.) must be checked regularly (preferably annually) for soundness.
- Costs of disposal of gas cylinders and lecture-bottles that are past the inspection date will be charged to the department.
Important inspection deadlines
The Environmental Management Act does not permit the stocking and use of gas cylinders whose inspection date has passed. When ordering gas cylinders (including lecture-bottles) it must be taken into account that the contents will be consumed and disposed of within the re-inspection period. Depending on the supplier, the last inspection date or the date the cylinder is due for re-inspection is stamped on the cylinder. Have gas cylinders collected by FCO Logistics before the inspection date. Please email Teamgevaarlijkestoffen.FCO.logistiek@vu.nl.