N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 5305: Section FC 5305: Handling and Use of Compressed Gases

5305.1 Compressed gas systems.

Compressed gas systems shall be suitable for the use intended and shall be designed and installed by persons competent in such design and installation. Compressed gas devices and systems shall be listed or approved.

5305.2 Controls.

Compressed gas system controls shall be designed to prevent materials from entering or leaving process or reaction systems at other than the intended time, rate or path. Automatic controls shall be designed to be fail-safe.

5305.3 Piping systems.

Piping, including tubing, valves, fittings and pressure regulators, shall comply with the requirements of this section and FC Chapter 50. Piping, tubing, pressure regulators, valves and other apparatus shall be kept gas tight to prevent leakage. Adequate pressure-relief devices shall be provided where refrigerated liquefied gas can become trapped in the piping.

5305.4 Valves.

Valves utilized on compressed gas systems shall be suitable for the use intended and shall be accessible. Valve handles or operators for required shutoff valves shall not be removed or otherwise altered to prevent access or hinder operation.

5305.5 Venting.

Venting of gases shall be directed to an approved location. Venting shall comply with the requirements of the 

Mechanical Code.

5305.6 Upright use.

Compressed gas containers, except those designed for use in a horizontal position, and all compressed gas containers containing nonliquefied gases, shall be used in an upright position with the valve end up. The axis of a container being used in an upright position may be inclined as much as 45 degrees (0.80 rad) from the vertical provided that it is properly secured. Use of nonflammable liquefied gases in the inverted position when the compressed gas is in the liquid state shall be allowed provided that the container is properly secured and the dispensing apparatus is designed for such liquefied gas use.

Exception: Compressed gas containers with an internal volume less than 0.174 ft

3

(0.005 m

3

) may be used in a horizontal position.

5305.7 Transfer.

Transfer of nonflammable compressed gases between containers shall be performed using equipment and operating procedures specified in CGA P-1 and NFPA 99.

5305.8 Use of compressed gas for inflation.

Inflatable equipment, devices or balloons shall be pressurized or filled only with nonflammable gases.

5305.9 Material-specific regulations.

In addition to the requirements of this section, indoor and outdoor use of compressed gases shall comply with the material-specific requirements of FC Chapters 54, 58 and 60 through 67.

5305.10 Handling.

The handling of compressed gas containers shall comply with the requirements of FC 5305.10.1 and 5305.10.2.

5305.10.1 Carts and hand trucks.

Containers shall be moved using an approved method. Where containers are moved by cart, hand truck or other mobile device, such carts, hand trucks or devices shall be designed for the secure movement of containers. Carts and hand trucks utilized for moving compressed gas containers indoors shall comply with the requirements of FC 5003.10. Carts and hand trucks utilized for moving compressed gas containers outdoors shall be designed so that the containers will be secured against dropping or otherwise striking against each other or other surfaces.

5305.10.2 Lifting of containers.

Ropes, chains or slings shall not be used to suspend compressed gas containers unless such containers have been designed for such handling. Valves of compressed gas containers shall not be used for lifting.