Why should you avoid using damaged gas cylinders?

Avoiding the use of damaged gas cylinders is crucial because they can lead to leaks and hazardous situations. When a gas cylinder is damaged, it may have compromised integrity, which increases the risk of it leaking gas. This leakage can create dangerous environments, potentially causing fires, explosions, or asphyxiation if the gas is toxic or displaces oxygen. The safety protocols in handling and using gas cylinders emphasize maintaining their integrity to prevent such risks actively.

Issues such as weight, paint, and expiration of gases may indeed affect usability or compliance, but they do not pose the same immediate and severe safety risks as a damaged cylinder, which can cause significant hazards in a working environment. Ensuring gas cylinders are in good condition is fundamental to maintaining safe operations with compressed gases.