Compressed Gases
Definition
Compressed gas cylinders come in a variety of types and sizes and are used in various capacities at MSU including: teaching and research labs, healthcare, art, and maintenance/construction operations. In addition to the physical hazard associated with high pressure inside the cylinder, many of the cylinders in use at MSU contain hazardous materials that may be flammable, corrosive, poisonous/toxic, or reactive. Due to these hazards, cylinders should be disposed of through the EHS Hazardous Waste Program when no longer needed for a project or immediately when empty. No cylinders (full, partially full, or empty) should be placed in the general refuse trash.
Prior to disposal through the EHS Hazardous Waste Program, check with the manufacturer of the cylinder to determine if they are rentals or if they can be returned to the manufacturer. If possible, AirGas cylinders must be returned to AirGas through the Spartan Marketplace at University Stores. If the cylinder cannot be returned, it must be disposed of through the EHS Hazardous Waste Program.
Storage
Cylinders must be stored in a secure location to prevent damage to the valves and stems. All regulators or other attachments must be disconnected and removed in order for EHS to accept them for disposal. Cylinders must not be moved until disposal is approved.
MSU Waste Tag Required
No – A MSU Waste Tag is not needed when submitting cylinders.
Labeling
All cylinders should be labeled as to their contents. Cylinders that have missing or illegible labels become unknowns, which result in extremely high disposal costs.
Submit Hazardous Waste Request
When the container is full or close to the 90-day accumulation limit, submit a Hazardous Waste Request via the EHS Safety Portal as follows:
- EHS Website: ehs.msu.edu
- Log in to the Safety Portal through a preferred web browser using your MSU Net ID and EBS Password
- Select Hazardous Waste Request
- Compressed Gases are found under the Common Process category