scope:

The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) has prepared this publication to state the general principles for labels and gives recommended minimum labeling requirements for many gases and other hazardous materials. Additional information may be shown on labels by gas suppliers if desired. For other gases not presented in this publication, precautionary labels may be prepared by incorporating the applicable portions of the specific labels presented herein.

The methods of preparing precautionary label information established by the most current edition of ANSI Z129.1, Hazardous Industrial Chemicals Precautionary Labeling, have been followed in this guide but were modified as necessary to meet the specific labeling needs of the compressed gas industry [1].¹

Precautionary labeling shall be applied to compressed gas and cryogenic liquid containers to identify the container contents and to warn of principal physical and health hazards associated with the container and its contents. Containers in transportation not exceeding 454 kg (1000 lb) water capacity require the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Transport Canada (TC) hazard label.

Precautionary labeling as given herein with regard to cylinder handling and storage information may be modified with respect to format so it can be applied as required to fixed storage vessels, portable tanks, tube trailers, cargo tanks, or other packagings.

Precautionary labels shown in this publication are examples of labels that warn of principal physical and health hazards involved in the handling and use of these specific products. The words label or labeling as used in this publication include labels, decals, tags, stenciling, and similar methods of presenting precautionary information.

Appendix A illustrates the basic marking consisting of DOT or TC proper shipping name; identification number; and 30-mm (1.25-in) diamond, which is permitted under conditions authorized by DOT and TC regulations as an alternative to the DOT/TC 100-mm (3.9-in) diamond label and marking [2, 3].

Appendix B provides additional labeling information to aid in complying with applicable regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the labeling of medical gases classified as drugs.

Appendix C provides additional labeling information to aid in complying with applicable regulations of FDA for the labeling of medical gases classified as medical devices.

¹ References are shown by bracketed numbers and are listed in the order of appearance in the reference section.