Are employers required to visually inspect gas cylinders to ensure they are in safe condition?

Employers are indeed required to visually inspect gas cylinders to ensure they are in a safe condition. This requirement is crucial for maintaining workplace safety and preventing accidents that can arise from damaged or improperly maintained gas cylinders. Regular visual inspections help identify issues such as dents, corrosion, leaks, and other physical damages that could compromise the integrity of the cylinders.

The inspection process is often part of a broader set of safety guidelines established by agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Compressed Gas Association (CGA). These guidelines stipulate that employees handling gas cylinders must ensure that the cylinders are not only in safe working order but also stored and handled correctly to prevent hazardous situations.

While the type of gas and specific operational contexts may influence the frequency and methods of inspection, the overarching rule remains that visual inspections are a fundamental responsibility of employers to safeguard their employees and maintain a safe working environment.