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Compressed Gases

Compressed gases and cryogens are used for a wide variety of purposes in the university, predominantly for teaching and research purposes.

Gases pose a variety of hazards, for example:

• Explosion of the cylinder due to mechanical damage, weakness or over-pressurisation.
• Exposure to released gas or fluid, which may have harmful properties (asphyxiant, toxic, corrosive). 
• Fire due to escape of flammable gas/fluid and over-pressurisation in the event of fire.
• Impact from falling cylinders and manual handling injuries.

To guide schools and departments in the safe management, use and storage of gases, reference should be made to the following policy:

University Gas and Cryogens Policy

Risk Quantification of Compressed Gas and Cryogenic Releases:

If needing to calculate the potential risk to human health, either in the event of a full release of a hazardous substance, or where a slow leak may be present, the University has developed a calculator to aid you. This is available, alongside some guidance, via the link below.

Note that gas dynamics is a complex field and the calculator is for informational purposes only. It should not be used to make definitive statements about risk unless you are experienced in the field and understand the assumptions made and how reality may differ from the calculations.

The main recognised body that issues national guidance and is referred to by the HSE, is the (BCGA). See the above policy for a list of BCGA guidance that is relevant in the university.