CGA SB-39

Several incidents with quick release valves installed on firefighting system gas cylinders have been reported. In one case, a worker died and in other cases workers suffered bone fractures (shinbone, hand).

In all cases, the cause of the incident was the unexpected opening of the valve fitted to the gas cylinder during handling, filling, or venting of the cylinder. The consequences were that the cylinders went out of control after the valve suddenly opened. This type of valve is used on cylinders typically containing carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or gas mixtures in firefighting systems. They are designed to quickly release a large volume of gas. The cylinder valves referenced in this safety bulletin have many and various designs and are different from standard high pressure valves.

In addition, this type of valve is often fitted to larger than standard cylinders (e.g., 80 L water capacity) so the hazard created by such a valve unexpectedly opening is increased because of the package size. These packages can be difficult to manually maneuver and secure, resulting in additional risk of cylinders falling over and valves opening or shearing.