Cryogen & Gas Cylinder

The transportation of cryogen and gas cylinders can be dangerous. Cryogens and compressed gas may cause physical, chemical, and asphyxiation hazards. All cryogenic dewars and gas cylinders must be assume to contain gas under pressure and treated as hazardous chemicals. Caution must be taken at all time during the transportation of these chemicals. Appropriate safety training must be completed prior to the transportation of cryogens and compressed gases. The listed below will serve as the general guidelines for the safe transportation of these chemicals. 

Guidelines for cryogen and gas cylinders transportation: 

  • Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Use route that are well-ventilated, low traffic, and free of obstructions and obstacles.
  • Cryogenic dewars and compressed gas cylinders must be closed, clearly labeled.
  • Inspect containers for leak and damages before transportation and receiving.
  • Disconnect regulators and other apparatus prior to transport.
  • The gas cylinder valves must be kept close with cap.
  • Gas cylinders must be transported upright and secure with chains or straps to a wall or bench.
  • Record the type of gas, grade and filling date on the gas cylinder.
  • Order gas cylinders with a restrictive flow orifice to limit gas flow rate leaving the cylinder.
  • Never transport unsecured dewars and compressed gas cylinders.
  • Handle one dewar or compressed gas cylinder at a time.
  • Do not transport filled open dewars between buildings.
  • Cryogens should be transported in a cryogenic dewar or cryogenic liquid cylinder designed specifically for cryogens.
  • Cryogens may be transported in elevators ONLY in containers certified to leak at less than or equal to 1 L of liquid (or 1 kg of solid) per day.
  • Use only specialized cart for the transportation of cryogens and compressed gasses.
  • Do not travel with cryogenic dewars and/or toxic gas cylinders that are too large to carry inside an elevator.
  • Use freight elevators for transportation when possible.
  • For transportation of cryogens and toxic compressed gas, use a buddy system where one person load the elevator while another stationed on the destination floor to unload.
  • Appropriate warning signs should be posted on the container and on the elevator door during dewars and cylinders elevator transfer. Cryogens and gas cylinders should not be left unattended at any point.
  • Any questions regarding the cryogens and compressed gas cylinders transportation should be directed to EHS at 214-768-2430.