Safety Information

SAFETY INFORMATION

HELIUM / BALLOON GAS

Never allow children or any unauthorised person to handle the cylinder or to use balloon filling equipment.
Before use the helium cylinder MUST be safely secured to prevent falling/toppling over.
The cylinder contains compressed helium under pressure. Do not place nozzle in mouth or nose for any reason. Doing so can damage lungs and other body parts, which can result in serious personal injury or death.
Do not inhale helium. Use only in a well ventilated area. Never use in closed spaces. Helium reduces and can eliminate oxygen available for breathing. Inhaling helium can result in serious personal injury or death.
Do not store in damp areas. This can cause the cylinder to rust. Rusting of the cylinder can result in a violent bursting of the cylinder resulting in serious personal injury or death.
Never expose the tank to direct heat or fire. Exposure to those conditions could result in the operation of the pressure relief device, which will result in sudden discharge of pressure from the cylinder resulting in serious personal injury.
Do not mistreat the tank by dropping on sharp or pointed surfaces. This could puncture the tank causing a sudden release of the contents resulting in serious injury or death.
Never open the cylinder valve without fitting an inflator nozzle first. Then proceed to open the valve slowly.
When inflating balloons, always point the balloon and inflator nozzle away from you.
Never use equipment which may be damaged
Remember to close the cylinder valve after use.

TRANSPORT OF HELIUM CYLINDERS – Delivery and collection by the customer:

Check the cylinder is not leaking before transporting it.
Use an open vehicle where possible. If using a closed vehicle, ensure there is good ventilation.
Always make sure the cylinder is properly secured so it cannot move, even during emergency braking.
Unload cylinders as soon as possible.
Do not use or store cylinders in a vehicle.
Should your vehicle be involved in a fire, call the Fire Brigade and inform them that you are carrying a high-pressure balloon gas cylinder.

BALLOONS

Keep out of the reach of children.
Balloons represent a possible choking hazard. Children under eight years can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision is required. Keep uninflated balloons away from children. Discard broken balloons immediately.

LATEX ALLERGY

Like other natural things people are allergic to such as bee stings and peanuts, latex can also cause allergic reactions ranging from minor skin irritation to anaphylaxis in a very small percentage of the population.
However, latex allergy doesn’t have to mean missing out on the joy of balloons; there are now a number of non-latex balloon alternatives on the market such as foil balloons and plastic bubble balloons.

BEER & BEVERAGE GAS

Only trained persons should handle compressed gases.
Observe all regulations and local requirements regarding the storage of containers.
Do not remove or deface labels provided by the supplier for identification of the container contents.
Ascertain the identity of the gas before using it.
Know and understand the properties and hazards associated with each gas before using it.
Establish and implement plans to cover any emergency situations that might arise.
When doubt exists as to the correct handling procedure for a particular gas contact the supplier.
Follow safe systems of work and take notice of hazard warning labels.
Report to your employer any situations that might cause dispense gas to build up.
Be alert to both ventilation problems and gas leaks.
Make sure that you can recognise the symptoms and signs of overexposure.
Report promptly complaints of headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness.
If you suspect gas exposure, leave the area immediately.

TRANSPORT OF BEER / BEVERAGE GAS CYLINDERS – Delivery and collection by the customer:

Check the cylinder is not leaking before transporting it.
Use an open vehicle where possible. If using a closed vehicle, ensure there is good ventilation.
Always make sure the cylinder is properly secured so it cannot move, even during emergency braking.
Unload cylinders as soon as possible.
Do not use or store cylinders in a vehicle.
Should your vehicle be involved in a fire, call the Fire Brigade and inform them that you are carrying a high-pressure beer gas cylinder.

LPG CYLINDERS

For residential properties, you can use up to 15kg of Butane (2 blue 7kg gas bottles) indoors, for example in portable gas heaters. You can also store a further maximum of 15kg indoors.
Our red Propane gas bottles can be used indoors in commercial and industrial premises on a temporary basis, for example when you’re using a blowtorch or air heater but the gas bottles must be stored outdoors.

What to do

Store and use gas bottles in an upright position
Store gas bottles in well-ventilated places
Ensure gas bottles are stored away from heat and ignition sources
Make sure gas bottles are stored outdoors, away from building entry/exit points and drains

What NOT to do

Do not subject the gas bottle to heat – this could increase the pressure inside and exceed the safe limit
Do not try to disconnect or unscrew a regulator from any cylinder if the flame doesn’t go out
Never store or use gas bottles in cellars or below ground level
Always store gas bottles at least 2 metres away from un-trapped drains, unsealed gullies or cellar openings
Avoid storing Propane gas bottles indoors
Never use Propane-fuelled appliances inside residential properties
Use gas bottles in places where gas is prohibited, such as high-rise flats
Keep gas bottles near any corrosive, toxic or oxidant material

SAFE USE OF YOUR GAS HEATER

Once your heater is securely connected to your gas bottle and ready for use, it is important to make sure that it is operated safely.
The following points outline the main considerations to think about when using your gas heater this winter:
Always turn your heater off before going to bed or leaving your property.
Ensure all the component parts of your unit are well maintained e.g. the heater, regulator hose and connectors.
Do not use aerosols or flammable cleaning liquids or sprays in close proximity to the heater.
Avoid sitting or standing too close to your heater.
Always ensure that the room in use is well ventilated; if it becomes stuffy open windows and doors to allow fresh air in immediately.
Always follow manufacturer guidelines carefully.
If you are concerned about connecting the new cylinder to your heater, our delivery driver will be only too happy to help.
Ensure that the position of your heater is away from any flammable materials and is not blocking any escape routes.
Never place clothes or other items over your heater.
Do not move your unit whilst it is in use.

FORK LIFT TRUCK (FLT) LPG CYLINDER SAFETY

Fork Lift Truck Cylinders are fitted with excess flow valves. This is a safety device which is designed to shut the flow of gas off when excessive flows are detected, to prevent any potential accidents.
On occasion, and when the cylinder valve is opened quickly, the excess flow valve can sometimes interpret that a problem has occurred and the excess flow valve will close, resulting in no gas flowing to the engine of the FLT.
To prevent this please make sure that the valve is opened slowly until fully open.
If the problem has already occurred, close the valve to stop the gas flow, wait for approximately 15 seconds until the excess flow valve reacts and then slowly open the valve again.
Fork Lift Truck Cylinders are fitted with a dip tube to extract the liquid from the cylinder, the position of the cylinder when fitted to the truck is therefore an important requirement to ensure a constant flow of gas to the FLT.
In the event that no gas is flowing from the cylinder please ensure that the cylinder is fitted in the correct position, the cylinder should be in a horizontal position with the valve outlet and the arrow on the base of the cylinder pointing downwards.

WELDING GAS / INDUSTRIAL GAS CYLINDERS

The following general practices are recommended for the safe handling and storage of high pressure gaseous and liquefied-compressed gases in transportable containers.
Only trained persons should handle compressed gases.
Observe all regulations and local requirements regarding the storage of containers.
Do not remove or deface labels provided by the supplier for identification of the container contents.
Ascertain the identity of the gas before using it.
Know and understand the properties and hazards associated with each gas before using it.
Establish and implement plans to cover any emergency situations that might arise.
When doubt exists as to the correct handling procedure for a particular gas contact the Chorley Bottle Gas Ltd.

Handling and Use:

Wear stout gloves. Never lift a container by the cap or guard unless the supplier states it is designed for that purpose.
Use a trolley or other suitable device or technique for transporting heavy containers, even for a short distance.
Leave valve protections caps in place until the container has been secured against a wall or bench or placed in a stand and is ready for use. Never remove valve guards or cages which permit access to the container valve. This type of valve protection is intended to be permanently attached.
Where necessary wear suitable eye and face protection. The choice between safety glasses, chemical goggles, or full face shield will depend on the pressure and nature of the gas being used.
Where necessary for toxic gases see that self-contained positive pressure breathing apparatus or a full face air line respirator is available in the vicinity of the working area. Check for gas leaks using a suitable method. Flammable and toxic gas monitors are available.
Where a gas is toxic check special procedures specified by supplier.
Ascertain that an adequate supply of water is available for first aid, fire fighting, or dilution of corrosive material in the event of leakage.
Employ suitable pressure regulating devices on all containers when the gas is being emitted to systems with a lower pressure rating than that of the container.
Before connecting the container for use ensure that back feed from the system into the container is prevented.
Ascertain that all electrical systems in the area are suitable for service with each gas. Never use direct flame or electrical heating devices to raise the pressure of a container. Containers should not be subjected to temperatures above 45°C.
Never re-compress a gas or a gas mixture from a container without consulting the supplier.
Never attempt to transfer gases from one container to another.
Do not attempt to increase liquid draw-off rate by pressurising the container without first checking with the supplier
Do not use containers as rollers or supports, or for any other purpose than to container the gas as supplied.
Never permit oil, grease or other readily combustible substances to come into contact with valves of containers containing oxygen or other oxidants.
Keep container valve outlets clean and free from contaminants, particularly oil and water.
Do not subject containers to abnormal mechanical shocks which may cause damage to their valves or safety devices. Never attempt to repair or modify container valves or safety relief devices. Damaged valves should be reported immediately to the supplier.
Close the container valve whenever gas is not required, even if a container is still connected to equipment.
Replace outlet caps or plugs and container caps (where provided) as soon as container is disconnected from equipment.

Storage:

Containers should be stored in a well ventilated area. Some gases will require a purpose built area
Store containers in a location free from fire risk and away from sources of heat and ignition.
Designation as a ‘No Smoking Area’ is recommended and is essential if flammable, toxic or oxidising gases are stored.
The storage area should be kept clear and access should be restricted to authorised persons only. The area should be clearly marked as a store and appropriate hazard warning signs displayed (flammable, toxic, radioactive, etc.).
Containers in storage should be properly secured to prevent toppling or rolling. Vertical storage is recommended where the container is designed for this.
Container valves should be tightly closed and, where appropriate, valve outlets should be capped or plugged. Container valve protection guard or cap should be in place and properly secured.
Protect containers stored in the open against rusting and extremes of weather.
Containers should not be stored in conditions likely to encourage corrosion. Store full and empty containers separately and arrange full containers so that the oldest stock is used first.
Gas containers should be segregated in the storage area according to the various categories (toxic, flammable, oxidant etc.). The amounts of flammable or toxic gases in storage should be kept to a minimum.
Flammable gases should be stored away from other combustible materials.
Containers held in storage should be periodically checked for general condition and leakage.

LEAK DETECTION

Boss Beverage Gases LTD maintains and checks their stock of cylinders to the most rigorous standards, ensuring their integrity and safety at all times.
As a user of cylinders you will be aware that a commonly used method for testing gas equipment for leaks is to apply a leak detect solution.
Leak detect solutions are soapy in nature and leaks are indicated by the presence of bubbles.
When using such leak detect solutions it is important to ensure the solution is compatible with the materials used in the equipment construction.