Identification

The contents of any compressed gas cylinder must be clearly identified. Such identification should be stenciled or stamped on the cylinder or a label. Commercially available three-part tag systems may also be used for identification and inventory.

No compressed gas cylinder should be accepted for use that does not legibly identify its contents by name. If the labeling on a cylinder becomes unclear or an attached tag is defaced to the point the contents cannot be identified, the cylinder should be marked "contents unknown" and returned directly to the manufacturer.

Always read the label!!

Never rely on the color of the cylinder for identification. Color coding is not reliable because cylinder colors may vary with the supplier. Additionally, labels on caps have little value because caps are interchangeable.

All gas lines leading from a compressed gas supply should be clearly labeled to identify the gas, the laboratory or area served, and the relevant emergency telephone numbers.

The labels should be color coded to distinguish hazardous gases (such as flammable, toxic, or corrosive substances) (e.g., a yellow background and black letters).

Signs should be conspicuously posted in areas where flammable compressed gases are stored, identifying the substances and appropriate precautions (e.g., HYDROGEN - FLAMMABLE GAS - NO SMOKING - NO OPEN FLAMES).

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