Many businesses today have some form of compressed gas on-site.  As a scuba diver, one of the incidents we fear the most is a blown valve on a scuba tank.  The blown valve will let 3000 pounds per square inch of compressed gas come out a hole, the size of a dime.  The tank will become a torpedo.  The US DOT’s PHMSA considered any compressed gas a hazardous materials, even a fire extinguisher.  OSHA has safety standards (1910.101) when dealing compressed gases.  Even Homeland Security is developing new standards to deal with the threat of compress gases such as chlorine gas.  Compressed gas safety can prevent serious injury or death.

If your company transports compressed gases in commerce, the company must comply with US DOT shipping requirements and training, and if you use compressed gas on-site, such as acetylene, you must comply with OSHA standards and training. 

Compressed gas cylinders must be:
· Labeled correctly as a hazardous material
· Inspected twice a year for various physical problems with the cylinder
· Cylinders used as fire extinguishers, scuba tanks or contain flammable gases require hydrostatic testing of the cylinder

Here are some helpful safety steps when using compressed cylinders.
· Compressed gas cylinders must be handled and stored properly
· Always read the MSDS accompanying the cylinder
· Secure cylinders properly
· Move compressed gas cylinders using the proper hand truck to avoid dropping or bumping.
· Keep cylinders away from other flammable hazardous materials or heat source
· Store full and empty tanks separately

Every company I have worked for or consulted with, has compressed gas cyclinders. They all have fire extinguishers or use some sort of gas in the manufacting process.  All of these are considered hazardous materials.