Compressed gases should be purchased through Praxair. Airgas Inc. is an additional source available to campus customers under systemwide agreement.  See the UC Strategic Sourcing suppliers for gases  for more information.

How to order from Praxair

For toxic gases:

Toxic gases are defined as those gases that cause significant acute health effects at low concentrations, have a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) health rating of 3 or 4, have low occupational exposure limits, or are pyrophoric. Contact the Office of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) to advise them of your plans to acquire the gas.  Refer to the EH&S Campus Toxic Program Fact Sheet, which provides the basics on what you need to know.

Lecture bottles are typically disposed of as hazardous waste; please go to
EH&S website for more information.

• Step 1: Establish a Praxair account (if you have not already done so)

  In order to process an order you must have an established account on record with Praxair. Fill out the New Account form or call Praxair at (800) 660-2066. Fax completed form to Praxair at (800) 660-2099.

• Step 2: Use the appropriate purchasing method

  For purchases under $4,999.99, including sales tax

  Use your bluCard. If your department does not have a bluCard Program, see Getting Started  and  bluCard in the Card Programs section of this website. If your department has a bluCard program, but you do not have a bluCard, refer to the Card Programs FAQ section to find out how to request one, only if your department has a bluCard Program and your supervisor has bluCard manager responsibility. Note that you will be required to participate in bluCard training and be authorized to receive a bluCard before you can make purchases.

  For purchases equal to or greater than $4,999.99 including sales tax

  Process a BFS departmental purchase order.

• Step 3: Request compressed gas from Praxair

  Fill out the appropriate compressed gas request form:

  • Industrial Gas form
  • Special Gas form
  • Medical Gas form
  • Electronic Gas form

  Fax the completed form to Praxair at (800) 660-2099 or call (800) 660-2066.

How to coordinate delivery

University staff should specify "Preferred San Francisco Bay Area delivery location" and delivery time when the order is placed. Praxair will deliver during normal business hours. If a department is unable to receive delivery, Praxair will work with the department to reschedule delivery at a mutually agreeable date and time.

Praxair's delivery response times, after receipt of your order are:

• Industrial gases - within 2-5 working days
• Specialty, medical, and electrical gases - within 10 working days

How to coordinate returns

For Praxair Cylinders

1. Download the Praxair order form for the type of gas you are returning. See ("Request Compressed Gas" above.) Indicate that you want to arrange for cylinder pick-up.
2. Fax completed order form to Praxair: (800) 660-2099 or call (800) 660-2066.
3. Lecture bottles are typically disposed of as hazardous waste. Please go to Office of Environment, Health and Safety for more information.

For NonPraxair Cylinders

Cylinders ordered previously from Campus Supply by a UCB department will remain the responsibility of that department to administer with the gas provider. If possible, please contact the vendor to coordinate a cylinder return.

Do not accumulate unwanted compressed gas cylinders. If you are having trouble returning your cylinder to the Praxair or other vendors, please contact EH&S at 642-3073 for assistance.

Praxair Contact Information