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Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:39:38 -0700
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: "Debbie M. Decker" <dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**UCDAVIS.EDU>
Subject: Re: Gas Regulator Question
In-Reply-To: <OFE2AE90A7.2464A3F9-ON85257715.004C2E45-85257715.004CFE3E**At_Symbol_Here**hc-sc.gc.ca>

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…….I was trained to stand to the side of the regulator, not right in front, when opening the cylinder valve.  Still do!

Debbie M. Decker, Campus Chemical Safety Officer
Environmental Health and Safety
University of California, Davis
1 Shields Ave.
Davis, CA  95616
(530)754-7964/(530)752-4527 (FAX)
dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu
Co-Conspirator to Make the World A
Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com<http://www.heroicstories.com/> and join the conspiracy


------------------original message--------------------

            Long ago, when I was taking welding lessons, the instructor taught us to avert our faces from the regulator gauges when opening a gas tank because of a possible defect in the regulator that would pressurize the gauge and explode the glass.

            Since that time, I have read several books on laboratory practices and do not recall any of them alluding to the practice of averting one’s face when opening a gas cylinder.  Should they?

With all the accumulated experience in this group, has anyone heard of this practice or hazard?

            (Note: My old instructor might have been confusing a defective regulator hazard with the one resulting from using a contaminated regulator with an oxygen cylinder.)

            Thank you very much,

            Ben