Minor and low risk gas cylinder leaks may be managed by staff members who are familiar with protocols in their School/ Function. Major spills/releases may require the evacuation of the building. Depending on the nature and extent of the incident, assistance may be brought in from other public support agencies or specialised contractors.
In all situations protection of personnel is of primary importance.
All Schools/Functions working with gases are required to develop and practice their own site-specific emergency procedures. Always refer to gas supplier information and gas risk assessments for the School/Function.
Gas cylinders/gas line leak
Compressed Gas Leak – Minor
A minor gas leak presents no or only minimal inhalation or fire hazard.
Hissing cylinders will indicate leakage from a cylinder valve.
• Be aware that gases can accumulate and displace oxygen in a space that is not well ventilated (asphyxiation hazard);
• Remove ignition sources if gas is flammable;
• Restrict access to the area;
• Place cylinder in or next to a fumehood if possible;
• Tighten fitting on cylinder;
• Locate leak if possible;
• Contact cylinder supplier for advice;
• If a fumehood is not available and there is a direct route outdoors, then move to outdoor location using an appropriate cylinder cart;
• Notify Line Manager/Head of School; and
• Notify Campus and Estates Office and/or Management company.
Compressed Gas Leak – Major
A major gas leak presents a large or uncontrollable leak risk or fire hazard, involves an acutely toxic gas, and/or more than minimal personal risk.
• Shut down gas supply (note the location of emergency gas shut off points in kitchens, laboratories and workshops).
• Alert area occupants using the break glass unit and evacuate the building;
• Call Emergency Services 112/999;
• Do not turn on/off anything electrical;
• If possible, ventilate the affected area (only if it can be done safely and only if the leak is ventilated to the outside) prior to leaving the area. Leave fumehoods running.
• Provide information to the Incident Controller/Emergency Services;
• Contact the supplier/manufacturer for emergency repair information.
If a gas cylinder is directly involved in a fire
• Raise the alarm and evacuate the building;
• Call Emergency Services, 112/999;
• Campus and Estates Office to advise internal and external neighbours within 200 metre hazard zone area about the danger;
• Inform supplier;
• Cylinders which are not directly involved in the fire and have not become heated should be moved as quickly as possible to a place of safety, provided this can be done without risk to building occupants nor risk to the person(s) moving the cylinders. Make sure the cylinder valves are closed;
• When the Emergency Services arrive, explain the location and number of gas cylinders directly involved in the fire and the types of the gases they contain. The Emergency Services cannot enter campus buildings to deal with the situation without this information.
Cylinders in Fires
All gas cylinders, whatever their gas contents, are potentially dangerous when exposed to a fire.
Gas cylinders involved in a fire may explode due to the pressure inside the cylinder.
Procedure:
• Evacuate the area;
• Call the fire brigade;
• Inform Campus and Estates Office;
• Contact the gas supplier;
• Cylinders that are not directly involved in the fire and have not become heated should be moved as quickly as possible to a safe place provided this can be done without undue risk. Make sure the cylinder valves are closed;
• When the fire brigade arrives inform them of the location and number of gas cylinders directly involved in the fire and the names of the gases they contain.
Reference