Cylinder Disposal Safety

***Safety First***

On April 2, 2019 two Wilmington Refuse Collectors were severely injured while collecting residential garbage.  One of the bags placed in the vehicle compactor exploded while being compacted.  The bag exploded as a result of a “D” size medical oxygen cylinder rupturing from the force of the compactor.

Refuse workers are the 5th highest profession in the United States which experience on the job fatalities.  Approximately 35 per 100,000 workers annually.

    
Photos courtesy of firststateupdate.com

General Guidance:

  • Compressed Gases Are Packaged in Cylinders Up To 6000 psig
  • The Contents Within a Cylinder May React with Other Materials Adversely When Released
  • Compressed Gas Cylinders Shall Always Be Disposed of Properly
    • Do Not Throw Cylinders in With General or Recycled Waste
    • Do Not Puncture, Crush or Deconstruct Cylinders

CYLINDERS SHALL ALWAYS BE TREATED AS FULL

  • Compressed Gases Are Regulated Hazardous Materials
  • Some Compressed Gas Cylinders (e.g. Acetylene, Inhalation Hazards, Corrosives) Are Considered A Hazardous Waste Regulated by DOT, EPA, OSHA

Disposal Options:

  • Environmental Disposal Companies (e.g. SET Environmental, Safety Kleen)
  • Local Municipality
  • Local Waste Hauler
  • Distributor Identified on The Neck Ring of Cylinder

REMINDER…. KEEN DOES NOT DISPOSE OF CYLINDERS OR ACCEPT CYLINDERS TO WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE OWNERSHIP

For questions regarding safe handling, disposal or use of cylinders please contact Lawrence Priebe (Keen, Safety & Quality Control Director) at 800-Keen-Gas 

Share