scope:

This publication recommends disposal methods for more than 140 gases and their mixtures and provides safe practices for the disposal of their containers when unserviceable. This publication reflects the concern of the industrial gases industry to ensure that when the need arises for disposal of gases and mixtures, standards of health, safety, and environmental quality continue to be maintained. Only environmentally acceptable methods are proposed.

The principles, recommendations, and requirements in this publication may be applied to both routine and emergency disposal operations; however, emergency disposal operations may dictate special or one of a kind procedures.

Purpose

Dealing with damaged and/or unidentifiable containers (gas cylinders, drum tanks, and similar transportable and pressurized vessels) is often an integral part of the gas disposal operation, and for this reason guidance on the subject is included. However, such work is potentially dangerous and shall only be performed by experienced and competent personnel following a risk assessment.

This publication should be used as an aid in the training of operators involved in the disposal of gases. The sections have been written with this in mind, and in particular summary checklists have been added for use as training modules.

It is the responsibility of the owner of the gas containers to dispose of the gas container in due time before they cause additional risks for the personnel in charge of the disposal and/or the environment.