Summary of recommendations
• Use suitable gloves for handling cylinders.
• Do not drag cylinders (this will cause wear to the base, especially for aluminium alloy
cylinders).
• For capped cylinders, ensure the cap is fitted when they are being stored or
transported.
• External damage of cylinders and valves (e.g. by welding or striking electric arcs or
impact by sharp objects) must be avoided.
• Do not use cylinders as rollers or work supports.
• Secure CO2 cylinders during transport on vehicles to prevent movement.
• A cold and wet or frosted cylinder could indicate a leakage and appropriate measures
should then be taken.
• Any stamping or means of identification must not be altered.
• Never heat cylinders e.g. by direct flame, electrical devices, or hot water, to raise the
pressure or the flow rate.
• Cylinders must never be directly connected to low pressure equipment.
• Cylinders used for the discharge of CO2 gas (without dip tube) must be connected to
a suitable reducing valve to obtain a desired pressure and flow rate.
• Cylinder valves are unsuitable for pressure and flow regulation.
• To prevent contamination and internal corrosion, the cylinder should be returned for
filling with a positive pressure.
• Do not attempt to transfer CO2 from one cylinder to another.
• Keep cylinder valve outlets and other CO2 equipment free from contaminants.
• Do not repair or modify cylinders, cylinder valves or safety relief devices (bursting
discs). Any damage should be made known to the supplier.
Refilling
For safety reasons cylinders owned and supplied by companies may only be filled by, or
on the authority of that company.
Maintenance
The cylinders and any associated equipment are a high pressure installation and
arrangements must be made to ensure that it is covered by an adequate system of
inspection and maintenance. National regulations require owners of cylinders used in CO2
service to inspect internally and externally and hydraulically test at regular intervals.
Action in the event of fire
Evacuate the area and call the emergency services.
Carbon Dioxide And Fire
No fire risk will arise with CO2, which is non-flammable, but care needs to be taken if the
fire is in an area adjacent to a CO2 storage area or usage point. A rise in the outside
temperature will rapidly be transmitted to the contents of the cylinders and the internal
pressures will increase.
DRY ICE/CARBON DIOXIDE CYLINDERS - Safe Use & Storage
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