Flammable Compressed Gases

Flammable gases can/will ignite at a low flashpoint, especially when mixed with air. 

The quantities of flammable gas that can be stored and used on the floor of a building or within a control area is strictly regulated by the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), and the allowable quantities decrease for every story above ground level. Each type of flammable gas you have in your area counts towards the maximum you are allowed to have.  

Examples

• Propane
• Acetylene
• Hydrogen
• Methane
• Iso-butane

Precautions

• Do not use near ignition sources (except for protected fuel gases).
• Have a portable fire extinguisher readily available for fire emergencies.
• Do not use a flame to detect leaks, a compatible leak-detection solution must be used.
• Use spark-proof tools when working with, or on, a flammable compressed gas cylinder or system.
• Post a sign stating "No Open Flames" on access doors to areas that use or store flammable gases.
• Manifold systems must be designed and constructed by competent personnel who are thoroughly familiar with the requirements for piping of flammable gases. Consultation with the gas supplier, Environmental Health & Safety Fire Safety, and/or the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities before installing manifolds is required. 
• Piping, tubing, and fittings for hydrogen must be approved for hydrogen service. Cast iron pipes and fittings must not be used. Plastic tubing must not be used unless it is approved for hydrogen service.
• Order the smallest sized cylinder you can that will support your research, and do not purchase and store spare cylinders.
• Certain mixtures of gases, such as 5% hydrogen/95% nitrogen are not considered to be flammable because it's mixed with an inert gas.  If you can use these nonflammable gas mixtures for your work, that should be a priority. 
• If you must use large quantities of pure hydrogen gas, consider investing in a hydrogen generator in lieu of using compressed gas cylinders.