Air Tanks at the Range Safety Issue

R

robb frazier

Guest
Hi Folks
I need your assistance please. Last night I made my pitch to the Board of Directors to start an Air Gun Benchrest event at our club. The first hurdle that came up is the issue of the air tanks. I'm familiar and shoot air silhoutte. NRA rules state that air cylinders are not to be brought to the line to fill PCP guns. That makes perfect sense and we all agreed that air tanks will not be permitted on or at the line. The more pressing issue is how to deal with the tanks that shooters bring to the range. Not just for matches but also the general shooting public is starting to show up with these tanks.The club is not going to supply tanks, adaptors or air. So I'm looking for detailed input about how you folks handle this issue. For example, are user tanks secured (chained) to a wall in a designated area. How is the refilling process monitered. For example, we all know that most tanks do not have rugulators on them and the operator is the regulator (High pressure regulators are expensive) also different air guns have different fill pressures. I suggested that CBI (Clear Barrel Indicators --Weed whacker line) be used to show that the gun is unloaded and the barrel is clear. The rifle be removed from the line to a designated area for refill and that an RSO monitor the fill process.

Thanks in advance. With your help I'm certain I can get past this issue with Board and Join the Air Benchrest competition.
 
Air tanks are pretty tough. You should see how they are handled on dive boats. Most everyone that uses them puts them on the floor as apposed to on a table and lays them down so they cant fall over. Mine has a carpet wrap to keep it from being bumped but that is overkill as a requirement. As for overfilling a gun, the safety margin in the gun will avert any accidents. Worst case senario is the gun will lock up and he can't fire it if it is overfilled. I know boards are sometimes problematic but the tanks are a non issue as far as saftey is concerned.
 
Tank cradle

I have a wooden "tank cradle" ... a board with two padded "Vee's" the tank rests in. I use it on a bench or floor. I see guys with tanks stood upright, an I think its a bad thing.
 
robb frazier said:
Hi Folks
I need your assistance please. Last night I made my pitch to the Board of Directors to start an Air Gun Benchrest event at our club. The first hurdle that came up is the issue of the air tanks. I'm familiar and shoot air silhoutte. NRA rules state that air cylinders are not to be brought to the line to fill PCP guns. That makes perfect sense and we all agreed that air tanks will not be permitted on or at the line. The more pressing issue is how to deal with the tanks that shooters bring to the range. Not just for matches but also the general shooting public is starting to show up with these tanks.The club is not going to supply tanks, adaptors or air. So I'm looking for detailed input about how you folks handle this issue. For example, are user tanks secured (chained) to a wall in a designated area. How is the refilling process monitered. For example, we all know that most tanks do not have rugulators on them and the operator is the regulator (High pressure regulators are expensive) also different air guns have different fill pressures. I suggested that CBI (Clear Barrel Indicators --Weed whacker line) be used to show that the gun is unloaded and the barrel is clear. The rifle be removed from the line to a designated area for refill and that an RSO monitor the fill process.

Thanks in advance. With your help I'm certain I can get past this issue with Board and Join the Air Benchrest competition.
Click to expand...

OSHA safety regulations for handling high pressure welding gas cylinders;

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10696#1926.350(a)(9)


1926.350(a)

Transporting, moving, and storing compressed gas cylinders.

1926.350(a)(1)

Valve protection caps shall be in place and secured.

1926.350(a)(2)

When cylinders are hoisted, they shall be secured on a cradle, slingboard, or pallet. They shall not be hoisted or transported by means of magnets or choker slings.

1926.350(a)(3)

Cylinders shall be moved by tilting and rolling them on their bottom edges. They shall not be intentionally dropped, struck, or permitted to strike each other violently.

1926.350(a)(4)

When cylinders are transported by powered vehicles, they shall be secured in a vertical position.

1926.350(a)(5)

Valve protection caps shall not be used for lifting cylinders from one vertical position to another. Bars shall not be used under valves or valve protection caps to pry cylinders loose when frozen. Warm, not boiling, water shall be used to thaw cylinders loose.

..1926.350(a)(6)

1926.350(a)(6)

Unless cylinders are firmly secured on a special carrier intended for this purpose, regulators shall be removed and valve protection caps put in place before cylinders are moved.

1926.350(a)(7)

A suitable cylinder truck, chain, or other steadying device shall be used to keep cylinders from being knocked over while in use.

1926.350(a)(8)

When work is finished, when cylinders are empty, or when cylinders are moved at any time, the cylinder valve shall be closed.

1926.350(a)(9)

Compressed gas cylinders shall be secured in an upright position at all times except, if necessary, for short periods of time while cylinders are actually being hoisted or carried.

1926.350(a)(10)

Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.

1926.350(a)(11)

Inside of buildings, cylinders shall be stored in a well-protected, well-ventilated, dry location, at least 20 feet (6.1 m) from highly combustible materials such as oil or excelsior. Cylinders should be stored in definitely assigned places away from elevators, stairs, or gangways. Assigned storage places shall be located where cylinders will not be knocked over or damaged by passing or falling objects, or subject to tampering by unauthorized persons. Cylinders shall not be kept in unventilated enclosures such as lockers and cupboards.

..1926.350(a)(12)

1926.350(a)(12)

The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders, portable tanks, rail tankcars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks shall be in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965.

1926.350(b)

Placing cylinders.

1926.350(b)(1)

Cylinders shall be kept far enough away from the actual welding or cutting operation so that sparks, hot slag, or flame will not reach them. When this is impractical, fire resistant shields shall be provided.

1926.350(b)(2)

Cylinders shall be placed where they cannot become part of an electrical circuit. Electrodes shall not be struck against a cylinder to strike an arc.

1926.350(b)(3)

Fuel gas cylinders shall be placed with valve end up whenever they are in use. They shall not be placed in a location where they would be subject to open flame, hot metal, or other sources of artificial heat.

1926.350(b)(4)

Cylinders containing oxygen or acetylene or other fuel gas shall not be taken into confined spaces.

1926.350(c)

Treatment of cylinders.

1926.350(c)(1)

Cylinders, whether full or empty, shall not be used as rollers or supports.

..1926.350(c)(2)

1926.350(c)(2)

No person other than the gas supplier shall attempt to mix gases in a cylinder. No one except the owner of the cylinder or person authorized by him, shall refill a cylinder. No one shall use a cylinder's contents for purposes other than those intended by the supplier. All cylinders used shall meet the Department of Transportation requirements published in 49 CFR Part 178, Subpart C, Specification for Cylinders.

1926.350(c)(3)

No damaged or defective cylinder shall be used.

1926.350(d)

Use of fuel gas. The employer shall thoroughly instruct employees in the safe use of fuel gas, as follows:

1926.350(d)(1)

Before a regulator to a cylinder valve is connected, the valve shall be opened slightly and closed immediately. (This action is generally termed "cracking" and is intended to clear the valve of dust or dirt that might otherwise enter the regulator.) The person cracking the valve shall stand to one side of the outlet, not in front of it. The valve of a fuel gas cylinder shall not be cracked where the gas would reach welding work, sparks, flame, or other possible sources of ignition.

1926.350(d)(2)

The cylinder valve shall always be opened slowly to prevent damage to the regulator. For quick closing, valves on fuel gas cylinders shall not be opened more than 1 1/2 turns. When a special wrench is required, it shall be left in position on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use so that the fuel gas flow can be shut off quickly in case of an emergency. In the case of manifolded or coupled cylinders, at least one such wrench shall always be available for immediate use. Nothing shall be placed on top of a fuel gas cylinder, when in use, which may damage the safety device or interfere with the quick closing of the valve.

..1926.350(d)(3)

1926.350(d)(3)

Fuel gas shall not be used from cylinders through torches or other devices which are equipped with shutoff valves without reducing the pressure through a suitable regulator attached to the cylinder valve or manifold.

1926.350(d)(4)

Before a regulator is removed from a cylinder valve, the cylinder valve shall always be closed and the gas released from the regulator.

1926.350(d)(5)

If, when the valve on a fuel gas cylinder is opened, there is found to be a leak around the valve stem, the valve shall be closed and the gland nut tightened. If this action does not stop the leak, the use of the cylinder shall be discontinued, and it shall be properly tagged and removed from the work area. In the event that fuel gas should leak from the cylinder valve, rather than from the valve stem, and the gas cannot be shut off, the cylinder shall be properly tagged and removed from the work area. If a regulator attached to a cylinder valve will effectively stop a leak through the valve seat, the cylinder need not be removed from the work area.

1926.350(d)(6)

If a leak should develop at a fuse plug or other safety device, the cylinder shall be removed from the work area.

1926.350(e)

Fuel gas and oxygen manifolds.

1926.350(e)(1)

Fuel gas and oxygen manifolds shall bear the name of the substance they contain in letters at least 1-inch high which shall be either painted on the manifold or on a sign permanently attached to it.

..1926.350(e)(2)

1926.350(e)(2)

Fuel gas and oxygen manifolds shall be placed in safe, well ventilated, and accessible locations. They shall not be located within enclosed spaces.

1926.350(e)(3)

Manifold hose connections, including both ends of the supply hose that lead to the manifold, shall be such that the hose cannot be interchanged between fuel gas and oxygen manifolds and supply header connections. Adapters shall not be used to permit the interchange of hose. Hose connections shall be kept free of grease and oil.

1926.350(e)(4)

When not in use, manifold and header hose connections shall be capped.

1926.350(e)(5)

Nothing shall be placed on top of a manifold, when in use, which will damage the manifold or interfere with the quick closing of the valves.

1926.350(f)

Hose.

1926.350(f)(1)

Fuel gas hose and oxygen hose shall be easily distinguishable from each other. The contrast may be made by different colors or by surface characteristics readily distinguishable by the sense of touch. Oxygen and fuel gas hoses shall not be interchangeable. A single hose having more than one gas passage shall not be used.

1926.350(f)(2)

When parallel sections of oxygen and fuel gas hose are taped together, not more than 4 inches out of 12 inches shall be covered by tape.

..1926.350(f)(3)

1926.350(f)(3)

All hose in use, carrying acetylene, oxygen, natural or manufactured fuel gas, or any gas or substance which may ignite or enter into combustion, or be in any way harmful to employees, shall be inspected at the beginning of each working shift. Defective hose shall be removed from service.

1926.350(f)(4)

Hose which has been subject to flashback, or which shows evidence of severe wear or damage, shall be tested to twice the normal pressure to which it is subject, but in no case less than 300 p.s.i. Defective hose, or hose in doubtful condition, shall not be used.

1926.350(f)(5)

Hose couplings shall be of the type that cannot be unlocked or disconnected by means of a straight pull without rotary motion.

1926.350(f)(6)

Boxes used for the storage of gas hose shall be ventilated.

1926.350(f)(7)

Hoses, cables, and other equipment shall be kept clear of passageways, ladders and stairs.

1926.350(g)

Torches.

1926.350(g)(1)

Clogged torch tip openings shall be cleaned with suitable cleaning wires, drills, or other devices designed for such purpose.

1926.350(g)(2)

Torches in use shall be inspected at the beginning of each working shift for leaking shutoff valves, hose couplings, and tip connections. Defective torches shall not be used.

..1926.350(g)(3)

1926.350(g)(3)

Torches shall be lighted by friction lighters or other approved devices, and not by matches or from hot work.

1926.350(h)

Regulators and gauges. Oxygen and fuel gas pressure regulators, including their related gauges, shall be in proper working order while in use.

1926.350(i)

Oil and grease hazards. Oxygen cylinders and fittings shall be kept away from oil or grease. Cylinders, cylinder caps and valves, couplings, regulators, hose, and apparatus shall be kept free from oil or greasy substances and shall not be handled with oily hands or gloves. Oxygen shall not be directed at oily surfaces, greasy clothes, or within a fuel oil or other storage tank or vessel.
 
Great application to Industrial and commerical operations

Generally speaking. These requirement do not apply to non-commerical applications.
 
Thanks Folks. What I would really like to know is what methods are you using for tank storage, rifle refills and training. For example, are the tanks placed into a cage so that they cannot tip over or are they laid on their sides. I know NRA Pistol Silhoutte rules forbid tanks on or at the line and that just makes sense. Do event organizers have any kind of training? For example, in the event of an accident I don’t think I would want to try and explain in court why I was officiating at an event and handling high pressure gas tanks without the appropriate training or tanks that were not properly certified that may have been involved in an accident. Are tanks checked to make certain they are certified and passed hydro testing. If folks are refilling at the range what are some suggestions to make it safe. Does a match director supervise the procedure etc. Send me a PM with a phone number if your not comfortable posting. I understand that no one wants to write something that may bite them in the butt. I'm just trying to get this event started at my club range. So far I'm trying to seperate out the issue of the tanks vs. the guns. On one hand the BOD could disallow tanks at the range. I beleive that the event could still be run because most air guns will make it through a match without a refill and this would make the tank issue go away. I'm just an average Joe trying to get this event started at my club and have a BOD that is paranoid about these H.P. tanks.

Robb
 
I have seen verticle racks at ranges and they are handy. Most of the time the tanks are laid on their sides behind the line. Everyone is responsible for their own tank and they are not supervised while filling their gun. Most guns will get through one target but not one match. I would class the danger of the air tank at about the same level as a live 22 rf round. Yes you could screw up but you would have to work at it. I think a measure of the safety of the valves on these tanks is that they do not require or have a safety cap on them like welding bottles. If they don't come with a cap, it must not be a safety issue.
 
Air Tanks

Robb,
I run the Airgun Matches at our sportsmen's club both indoor and outdoor. I provide a 6 or 8 foot folding table for each shooter. I place my rifle case on a table and open it up. The top half I place my 4500 Carbon Fiber tank and place my rifle in the bottom half to fill. The people with a flat bottom tank or rubber boot fill their guns from the tank on the floor. When I fill my tank at the dive shop they check the tank for inspection date, fill pressure and look at the condition of the tank. They put the tank in a wire stand to help fill it. I might make some stands so the tanks won't roll off the tables if not in a foam rifle case.
Paul
 
Important Read

My only suggestion is going to insane measures to assure safety. The damage done on the normal carry size tank, at 120 psi is not to be believed.
Way back when I was a kid at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Practice was in full swing, and even over the roar of those monster motors, I heard a loud explosion in the pits. A tank ruptured, launched a member of the Petty crew like a rocket, and he was dead before he hit the ground.

I remember seeing a TV story on 2 piece wheels on 18 wheelers coming apart, and cut like a knife through the door of a vehicle in the wrong place.

It might turn into a must do for the club to supply air for safety & liability issues. Maybe a small concrete block room filled with sand & re-bar, with an air hose outside the building? Just a suggestion.

One thing that scares me about club shoots is the lack of protection we all have in case of an accident. I also fly RC airplanes, which is EVERY BIT as dangerous as a shooting range. A runaway small trainer can easily deliver a fatal blow if a plane loses control.

We have a lawyer in our club, and he did the research. Our club was NOT Incorporated, and our ignorance was hammered home like a bolt of lightning.
If a person were killed, at a not incorporated club, EVERY club member is liable and can be drug into criminal court if safety regulations were sub par, and into civil court so then can try to take the entire memberships money.

The one GREAT thing RC Pilots have is ARA Club membership. For $50 a year, we get 4 magazines, rules to build your airfield to the safety codes, and $4,000,000 of liability insurance. To me that is the best bargain on the face of the earth.

Some of you senior shooters might need to think this over, and bring it up to the appropriate parties. I really don't know who to contact.

With the money we spend, $50 for peace of mind is a pitance for $4,000,000 coverage. If you don't have your ARA card, you don't fly. Doing the same at the range would add another layer of protection. Also, God forbid we have a tragedy at the range, doing everything in our power might decide if the range is closed or not.
Let me know what you think folks.
 
Lawyers in the club?

They are the ruination of our great society.
 
I bet he volunteered to represent the club in getting incorporated and stay on with a retainer to defend them if ever sued...for a reduced regular rate, just for them.
 
DonMatzeder said:
I bet he volunteered to represent the club in getting incorporated and stay on with a retainer to defend them if ever sued...for a reduced regular rate, just for them.
Click to expand...

no, he did the entire incorporation for no charge whatsover. he actually saved the club from folding. Myself and many others were going to leave the club. it just wasn't as much fun flying knowing we all could be dragged into a civil suit. he also suggested we form a committee to make sure we had taken every possible safety precaution recommended by the AMA.

it's hard to imagine the amount of damage a small rc plane can do. When I saw a 48" bi plane penetrate the door on a 66 Chevy truck door, it got my attention. the door on those old trucks were about as heavy as armor!

I actually ran the numbers on a trainer running 50 mph, and it had the same kinetic energy as a 150 gr bullet from a 7 rem mag.

I'm not cheerleading attourneys, just trying to convey the point that the liability issue should be considered by every shooting club. Even a minor mishap would have every "800suetheir@$$" legal firm around looking for a out of court settlement.
 
Tanks

Just my two cents.
After having worked most of my life as a millwright, pipefitter and welder I can say there is reason to worry about the tanks but it is easy to control.
At my place of employment the rule was to tie off any portable tanks that were being used.
The biggest problem is not with the tanks exploding but with the valve and or the gauges getting broken off (with a 3000psi oxgyen tank its like a rocket).
So far the air rifle shooter at our club use 2 wheel dollies to transport their tanks around. As match director I allow them to recharge at the line to save a little time and to keep excessive traffic behind the shooting line.
If you are still worried you can always build a rack with notches cut in it and a length of safety chain and some screw-in hooks to hook the chain to.
Larry Burchfield
Texarkana Gun Club
 
Bling + Convenience + Safety

I have been cogitating on my stand design for a couple of months. For my alum scuba tank I decided to use a golf cart. Once I got the CF tank I got to work on a stand/cage. The sprockets are Honda CR or XR alloy [ I actually machined off all the teeth on new sprockets !!!! They were left over from a prior life. You could probably get some worn out ones for free at a bike shop].

5/16" threaded rod in the vinyl tubing. At the bottom the black sprocket has a smaller center hole so the bottom of the tank isn't sticking down. There is a 1/4" reinforced rubber pad under the tank. Slit vinyl tubing at the top of the tank. The top section could probably be shortened to place it closer to the valve and more compact. 2 or 3" ain't really worth fooling with it.

I am going to add a piece of stock to the middle sprocket at right angles to the tank so the tank won't roll if it is laid on it's side on a table or floor.

4500tankstand.jpg
 
As stout as these tank are, they do grow when filled. Do NOT cage them tightly or you will place uneven strain on the vessel.
 
The rubber at both ends is nowhere near fully compressed. Just enough tension to keep the tank from flopping around.
 
Once again thanks for all the info. As in most things at gun clubs once you draw attention to an issue you usually are placed on the committee to find a solution. The BOD has spoken. They wish to sponser the Air Gun Benchrest Event. They would like to keep the air tanks away from the line and have folks fill them in a covered area outside. They beleive all the hissing noise that the filling process makes can be a distraction to other shooters. So the primary concern is that these tanks don't fall over break the gauge off or break the valve. They would like to get a vinyl covered wire rack that could hold the SCUBA tanks and the 44 and 88 Cu Ft SCBA tanks. Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top