Technology and Development at the USDA Forest Service



Search all USDA
Advanced Search Search Tips
Aviation Biomass Cooperative Forestry Engineering Environmental Compliance and Protection (ECAP) Facilities Fire Forest Health Plan Forest Management Global Positioning System Inventory and Monitoring Range Recreation Reforestation and Nurseries Residues Safety and Health Watershed, Soil, and Air Wildland Fire Chemical Systems

Beefy Backpack Tree Marking Paint System

Technical Support Documents

Handling of CO₂ Cylinders
July 31, 2000

Catalina Cylinders recommends that anyone handling CO₂ cylinders should be aware of the hazards associated with CO₂ and be trained in safe practices of handling CO₂ cylinders. All practices of handling CO₂ cylinders ought to include or reference information from CGA pamphlets G-6; Carbon Dioxide and G-6.3; Carbon Dioxide Cylinder Filling and Handling Procedures.

Catalina Cylinders has compiled the following list of items that should be included in any safe handling practice of CO₂ cylinders.

Only trained personnel should handle CO₂ cylinders. Trained personnel should be aware of the hazards associated with CO₂. CO₂ discharged from a cylinder is extremely cold and can cause injury if it comes into contact with personnel.
CO₂ cylinders should only be handled with care. Never drag or drop cylinders.
Never attempt to handle a leaking CO₂ cylinder.
CO₂ cylinder should never be handled in areas of extreme heat (125° F or greater).
The valve should always be closed when handling a cylinder.
If a cylinder is fitted with a valve cap, always verify the cap is secure before handling.
If a cylinder is fitted with a carrying handle, always verify the carrying handle is secure and not broken before handling. Never handle a cylinder by a broken carrying handle.
Be aware that cylinders that have been in service may have sharp edges from previous rough handling. Visually inspect the cylinder for sharp edges prior to handling the cylinder with your hands.
When lifting a cylinder, use proper lifting techniques.
When handling a cylinder with equipment, make sure the equipment does not scar or damage the cylinder or valve.
When using a cart to handle cylinders, always secure the cylinder to the cart.
After handling a cylinder, always transport and/or store the cylinder in accordance with good safe transporting and/or storing practices.

Including the above items in all practices for handling CO₂ cylinders should enhance the safety of all personnel, equipment and property.