Section 5305 — USE AND HANDLING OF COMPRESSED GASES

Compressed gas systems shall be suitable for the use intended and shall be designed by persons competent in such design. Compressed gas equipment, machinery and processes shall be listed or approved.

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.

Piping, including tubing, valves, fittings and pressure regulators, shall comply with this section and Chapter 50. Piping, tubing, pressure regulators, valves and other apparatus shall be kept gas tight to prevent leakage.

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

Venting of gases shall be directed to an approved location. Venting shall comply with the California Mechanical Code .

Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks, except those designed for use in a horizontal position, and all compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks containing nonliquefied gases, shall be used in an upright position with the valve end up. An upright position shall include conditions where the container, cylinder or tank axis is inclined as much as 45 degrees (0.80 rad) from the vertical. Use of nonflammable liquefied gases in the inverted position where the liquid phase is used shall not be

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

COMPRESSED GASES

prohibited provided that the container, cylinder or tank is properly secured and the dispensing apparatus is designed for liquefied

gas use.

Exception: Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks with a water volume less than 1.3 gallons (5 L) are allowed to be used in a horizontal position.

Transfer of gases between containers, cylinders and tanks shall be performed by qualified personnel using equipment and operating procedures in accordance with CGA P-1.

Exception: The fueling of vehicles with CNG or CH 2, conducted in accordance with Chapter 23.

Inflatable equipment, devices or balloons shall only be pressurized or filled with compressed air or inert gases.

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

The handling of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall comply with Sections 5305.10.1 and 5305.10.2.

5305.10.1 Carts and trucks. Containers, cylinders and tanks shall be moved using an approved method. Where containers, cylinders or tanks are moved by hand cart, hand truck or other mobile device, such carts, trucks or devices shall be designed for the secure movement of containers, cylinders or tanks. Carts and trucks utilized for transport of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks within buildings shall comply with Section 5003.10. Carts and trucks utilized for transport of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks exterior to buildings shall be designed so that the containers, cylinders and tanks will be secured against dropping or otherwise striking against each other or other surfaces.

5305.10.2 Lifting devices. Ropes, chains or slings shall not be used to suspend compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks unless provisions at time of manufacture have been made on the container, cylinder or tank for appropriate lifting attachments, such as lugs.