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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> e-tank safety
        
(Message started by: DennisM1045 on Oct 31^st, 2007, 12:37pm)

Title: e-tank safety
Post by DennisM1045 on Oct 31^st, 2007, 12:37pm

I rotate through three e-tanks. One is with me at all times. I keep whatever is filled standing up between the side of my bereau and a wall. I keep whatever is “empty” standing up against a wall out on the front porch. Of course there is usually something left in the empties too.

When the guy from Apria came by to drop them off a few weeks ago he mentioned that my storage system was a safety issue. I just ignored the comment at the time but it’s been nagging me ever since. See my kids play out on the porch and I don’t want one of them riding to the neighbors on a jet of compressed air from a tank that has fallen over. On the other hand, Chuck rolled a jeep filled with e-tanks and is still here to talk about it.

So family, let’s hear some opinions. Does anyone go to great lengths to handle these tanks? Am I just being an obsessive parent?

-Dennis-

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by barry_sword on Oct 31^st, 2007, 6:48pm

Hi Dennis. I also have a 3 tank system, 1 bigger "M' tank and 2 portable "E" tanks.

The 2 in the house M&E tanks are both in separate stand up carts and secured with a chain. The 1 in my car is wedged under the seat and cannot move.

And yes, Chuck was very lucky. So I guess safety and o2 go hand in hand. You can never be too careful.

Was that any help to you?

Barry

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by Not4Hire on Oct 31^st, 2007, 6:55pm

yessir, handling these tanks carelessly can be very bad. If the valve gets knocked off (which probably takes a pretty hefty whack) y'all got a torpedo on your hands. There is a MythBusters episode on this, I believe, and probably youtube posts, if you have time to look. Welders oxy tanks have a screw on steel cover for a reason-- welders are usually a bit ham-handed (I mean, look at jonny ;) )

Medical oxy is pressurized at one TON per square inch pressure. That will fuck you up. Have a care and store/ handle your tanks as if they will take off thru yer wall or the side of your car like an RPG.

Chuck is a "special case"... but you probably knew THAT...... 8)

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by Guiseppi on Oct 31^st, 2007, 9:31pm

A $7.00 bag of bungy cables, I keep up to 8 tanks at my house and work. I always keep a bunjy wrapped just so they won't tip over. It would take just the right angle on just the right surface to break that top off, but my luck always sucks so I don't push it!!!!! ;)

Guiseppi

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by Kevin_M on Oct 31^st, 2007, 10:21pm

on 10/31/07 at 12:37:37, DennisM1045 wrote:

I keep whatever is “empty” standing up against a wall out on the front porch. Of course there is usually something left in the empties too.

To not worry about drained tanks, I run them completely empty when really low so the valve can be left open and no pressure at all, no worries about empties.

Quote:

When the guy from Apria came by to drop them off a few weeks ago he mentioned that my storage system was a safety issue.

They probably have an obligation to ensure a suitable environment and instructing for proper care. Every one of my bills states that, I use Apria.

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by BlueMeanie on Oct 31^st, 2007, 10:50pm

When handling air pressure tanks there are 3 safety concerns.

1. Never use near an open flame.
2. ALWAYS completely empty your used tanks. Pressure in a tank that was to tip would definately give your kids a ride to the neighbors house.
3. An empty tank knocked over could cause a kids toe to break.

Be safe !!!

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by AlienSpaceGuy on Oct 31^st, 2007, 11:24pm

Kevin and BlueMeanie,

you may feel save by emptying the tank completely, and even leaving the valve open.

But that can be a hazard for future user of the tank:
Dust could get in and damage the valve, resulting in a leaky tank.
If any moisture gets into the tank rust will bloom. High pressure oxygen plus water is the best recipe for the tank to rust from the inside out.

Therefore, may supplier request that always a small rest pressure remains.

BTW, an almost empty tank will hardly act as a rocket if the valve is knocked off.

[smiley=smokin.gif]

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by Kevin_M on Oct 31^st, 2007, 11:32pm

on 10/31/07 at 23:24:41, AlienSpaceGuy wrote:

you may feel save by emptying the tank completely, and even leaving the valve open.

But that can be a hazard for future user of the tank:

Then I had not been instructed properly. ;)

Thanks U

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by BlueMeanie on Nov 1^st, 2007, 12:14am

Thanks for the lesson. Guess I should have been more specific. Close valve after dropping pressure. ;)

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by DennisM1045 on Nov 1^st, 2007, 8:21am

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm off to Home Depot after work to buy some bungies and a hook eye for the wall.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by Ray on Nov 1^st, 2007, 6:00pm

O2 tanks that are completely empty need more steps to have them refilled and sent out to the next customer. They have to be drawn to a near vacuum and then refilled.

Most E tanks are aluminum, not iron or steel, so they don't exactly rust, but they will oxidize if left empty and open. My supplier always would prefer to have some pressure in the tank when returned.

If you can find a place to lay them down, the potential for them falling is reduced, perhaps in the bottom of a bedroom closet?

With regards,

Ray

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by DennisM1045 on Nov 1^st, 2007, 9:47pm

All secured! Thanks again...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff168/DennisM1045/Picture024a.jpg

-Dennis-

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by barry_sword on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 12:30pm

[smiley=thumb.gif] Good job! ;;D

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by mcf69 on Nov 4^th, 2007, 11:11pm

Strap em', tie em', whatever, just make sure they don't become a missle, our rescues (ambulances) have crash restraints on all of them for that very reason. And a word of advice, when empty, don't leave them open, I don't know about o2 supply companies, but when we have an SCBA cylinder that has been left open on a fire scene they automatically have to be sent in for a visual inspection and fresh hydro test......

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by signdog on Nov 13^th, 2007, 8:24pm

I just got two tanks delivered, one for home, one for work. I was told not to store the tanks in a confined place like a closet. If there is a leak, you have a lot of o2 in a small place & risk an explosion. :o

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by E-Double on Nov 13^th, 2007, 8:48pm

i wasn't given any instructions other than not to use near an open flame

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by DennisM1045 on Nov 13^th, 2007, 9:23pm

on 11/13/07 at 20:24:08, signdog wrote:

I think the risk of a tank leaking without the valve being whacked really hard are slim and none. I keep my work tank laying down in an empty file cabinet. It was the tanks on the pourch where my kids play that I was nervous about.

If you are really worried, have them set you up with a wheeled cart. They are portable and pretty stable.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by signdog on Nov 13^th, 2007, 10:17pm

They supplied me with bases which make the tanks quite stable. My beef is that they only gave me one mask & regulator so that I have to cary that stuff back & fourth. There I go again complaning... a couple of days ago it was headaches, now its mask & regulator, LOL

Title: Re: e-tank safety
Post by DennisM1045 on Nov 14^th, 2007, 12:09pm

I keep the e-tank regulator in a back pack. I never go anywhere without it. One tank in the car, one at work and a spare on the porch. I have two masks. A clustermasx on my m-tank at home and a standard non-rebreather in the backpack.

In addition to the regulator and mask I also have 1 energy drink and at least one trex jab.

Live your life, but be prepared. Once you've kicked the beasts ass, go back to living your life ;;D

-Dennis-