Safety on a Global Stage: CGA Participation in ISO/TC 58, Gas Cylinders

A Guide to ISO and TAGs

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 167 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant international standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges. ISO also works to raise public awareness of standards and standardization, promotes teaching of standardization, provides training on standardization best practices and processes, and acts as a resource for standards-related research. You can learn more about ISO and their strategic objectives at www.iso.org.

ISO forms groups of experts, called Technical Committees (TCs) to manage the work program related to specific sectors such as gas cylinders. Today, ISO has more than 250 TCs addressing a wide range of industries and technologies. Each TC may be further divided into sub-committees (SCs) that address focused areas of topics under the TC’s area of responsibility. Working Groups (WGs) populated by small groups of subject matter experts are formed under the TCs and SCs to develop standards.

ISO’s membership is made up of national standards bodies from around the world. Those national standards bodies may form their own national bodies of experts to form their country’s positions on proposed standards. These national bodies are typically populated by experts who currently work in the field being addressed and by other interested parties. CGA actively participates in ISO work through the U.S. Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) which are recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). One area where CGA is a regular contributor is ISO/TC 58, Gas Cylinders.

What is ISO/TC 58 all about?

The scope of ISO/TC 58 is the standardization of gas cylinders and other pressure receptacles, their fittings and requirements relating to their manufacture and use. ISO/TC 58 has 30 participating members and maintains 113 published standards. Because of the large scope of the technical committee, ISO/TC 58 is divided into three sub-committees (SCs) which each manage a portfolio of standards:

• ISO/TC 58/SC 2, Cylinder Fittings;
• ISO/TC 58/SC 3, Cylinder Design; and
• ISO/TC 58/SC 4, Operational Requirements for Gas Cylinders.

How does CGA participate in ISO TC/58?

CGA and its members participate directly in the U.S. TAGs for ISO/TC 58 and its subcommittees to provide technical expertise for the group’s standards development activities.

CGA also serves in leadership roles to support the management of work for ISO/TC 58 and the related U.S. TAGs. Today, CGA chairs and serves as committee manager for ISO/TC 58/SC 4. We also manage the U.S. TAGs for ISO/TC 58 and its sub-committees, as well as several other areas of ISO work.

Why is participation in ISO important to our industry?

As ISO/TC 58 publications are completed, many are submitted for inclusion in the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations. The regulations are referred to as the United Nations (UN) Orange Book. ISO publications that are approved for inclusion in the UN Orange Book are also considered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for potential inclusion in the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) by being Incorporated by Reference (IBR). A list of ISO publications that are currently referenced in 49 CFR can be found at 49 CFR 171.7.

Here are some examples of current ISO projects that directly impact our industry:

ISO/WD 23802, Gas cylinders – Composite tubes permanently mounted in a frame – Periodic inspection and testing

This new standard will provide requirements and recommendations for the periodic inspection and testing of permanently mounted seamless tubes and composite tubes from 150 L to 3000 L and large tubes from 3000 L to 15000 L including frame and associated equipment. The working draft is being developed by ISO/TC 58/SC 4.

ISO/TS 19016, Gas cylinders — Cylinders and tubes of composite construction — Modal acoustic emission (MAE) testing for periodic inspection and testing

This technical specification has been approved for conversion into an International Standard. It describes the use of modal acoustic emission (MAE) testing during periodic inspection and testing of hoop wrapped and fully wrapped composite transportable gas cylinders and tubes, with aluminum-alloy, steel or non-metallic liners construction, intended for compressed and liquefied gases under pressure. This work is being managed by ISO/TC 58/SC 4.

ISO 14456:2015, Gas cylinders – Gas properties and associated classification (FTSC) codes

This document was recently approved for a revision in order to correct technical data (e.g., CAS numbers and FTSC codes), complete editorial revisions as a result of a new edition of ISO 5145 and add new FTSC codes for commonly used gases and liquids currently not listed in ISO 14456:2015. This work is being managed by ISO/TC 58/SC 2 and will ensure continued consistency with CGA P-47, Guidelines for FTSC Codes and Current Gas Listings.

There are many competing interest groups that participate in ISO, and position proposals may be inappropriate for or may inadvertently impact our industry. It is critical that CGA and our members take an active role in the standards process to ensure that the outcomes are safe and effective for our industry. It is also important to coordinate with partners in other regions such as the Asia Industrial Gases Association (AIGA), the European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA), and the Japan Industrial and Medical Gases Association (JIMGA) so that we can present a unified industry position whenever possible.

How can I become involved with ISO work?

CGA’s participation in the ISO process allows our industry’s positions to be heard and potentially included in ISO publications. Doing so improves safety not just in North America but throughout the world.

The US TAGs can always use your technical expertise as a member. For more information about ISO/TC 58, its subcommittees, and related U.S. TAGs, please use the form below to contact CGA staff.