Is it safe to cut through compressed gas cylinders to release pressure during vehicle extrication?

Is it safe to cut through compressed gas cylinders to release pressure during vehicle extrication?

• A. It depends on the cylinder type
• B. False
• C. Only if the valve is damaged
• D. True

Answer: (B)

Cutting through compressed gas cylinders to release pressure is not safe. Cylinders hold gas at very high pressure, and a puncture or cut can cause an unpredictable rupture, turning the cylinder into a dangerous high-velocity projectile and/or causing a rapid, uncontrolled gas release. This can ignite if flammable, displace or asphyxiate occupants, or create a blast risk for responders. The safe approach is to treat cylinders as hazards: keep them secured and away from heat or ignition, evacuate nearby people, ventilate if possible, and summon trained hazmat or gas-company personnel to depressurize or remove the cylinder using approved methods. Therefore, the idea that you can safely cut through a cylinder to relieve pressure is not true.

Cutting through compressed gas cylinders to release pressure is not safe. Cylinders hold gas at very high pressure, and a puncture or cut can cause an unpredictable rupture, turning the cylinder into a dangerous high-velocity projectile and/or causing a rapid, uncontrolled gas release. This can ignite if flammable, displace or asphyxiate occupants, or create a blast risk for responders. The safe approach is to treat cylinders as hazards: keep them secured and away from heat or ignition, evacuate nearby people, ventilate if possible, and summon trained hazmat or gas-company personnel to depressurize or remove the cylinder using approved methods. Therefore, the idea that you can safely cut through a cylinder to relieve pressure is not true.