How to Identify Blue Cylinder Gas

Gas cylinders are color coded to help identify the contents.

Blue cylinder gases are known as oxidizing gases, meaning the oxygen content of each gas is more than 25 percent higher than atmospheric concentrations. They are commonly called nitrogen oxides and halogens, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. These gases are highly flammable and cause materials such as fabric to burn faster than they would under regular atmospheric conditions. You can identify these gases by paying close attention to markings and color codings on cylinder containers.

Instructions

1. Inspect the neck of your cylinder. Oxidized gases are color coded based on the cylinder contents. For example, a neck that has white coloring over dark blue shows that the cylinder contains oxygen and nitrous oxide. A white coloring over gray would identify contents of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

2. Read the outer label of all cylinders. Federal law regulates clear labeling of all flammable and non-flammable gas cylinders. Ensure that the label lists the exact contents to match the color coding. If the gas listed is not an oxidizing gas but has blue coding, do not use it. Mislabeling could cause serious injury or death.

3. Locate the directions for each blue coded cylinder. Oxidized gases are commonly used for medical purposes. If the cylinder is labeled for medical or inhalation uses, it is most likely classified as a blue cylinder gas.

References

• Internal Marine Contractors Association: Marking and Colour Coding of Gas Cylinders, Quads and Banks for Diving Applications
• British Compressed Gases Association: Technical Information Sheet
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Compressed Gases - Hazards