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September, 2001 - Medical "Post-Type" Valve Connections

Small medical gas cylinders often have a straight configured "post" valve. Precautions should be taken to help ensure a proper connection for use with the intended gas.

• Use a new washer with every cylinder change. The fitting, called a "yoke" connector, does not form a metal-to-metal seal, but relies on a gasket made of oxygen-compatible material to help seal the gas. When this gasket is reused, excessive pressure is usually required to seal the connection, which could bend or break the connector handle or even crack the threads (and the connection may leak anyway).
  
  
• The yoke connector is fitted with two small pins which mate with holes drilled in "post-style" valves. These pins and corresponding holes are drilled in different configurations unique to various medical gases. This is known as the "pin-indexing system," designed to help ensure that fittings are connected only to the gas cylinders for which they are intended. Do not remove these pins. If a pin has dropped out or if your regulator yoke connection was made without a provision for mating pins, contact your gas supplier for a replacement.

Important: "Pin-indexing" should not be relied upon as the primary means of identifying gases; always consult the cylinder label before use.

Important:

This information is offered by the National Welding Supply Association and your local distributor as general guidance only and may not explain all relevant safety precautions or hazards

Mike Lopez, NWSA Safety
Consultant

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