COMPRESSED GASES

COMPRESSED GASES DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93 Hazards of Chemicals and Gases CH-05 Rev. 0 Page 16 COMPRESSED GASES Gases are commonly used throughout industry. These gases come in several forms and are often as dangerous as they are useful. This chapter provides background knowledge of these gases. EO 1.7 DEFINE the following terms: a. Compressed gas c. Liquified gases b. Non-liquified gases d. Dissolved gases EO 1.8 STATE the five major families of gases. EO 1.9 STATE the general safety precautions regarding the use, handling, and storage of gases. EO 1.10 STATE the safety precautions for working with cryogenic liquids. EO 1.11 LIST the physical properties and special precautions for the following gases: a. Hydrogen b. Oxygen c. Nitrogen Compressed Gases Gases in compressed form serve countless indispensable roles in modern technology. Oxygen is used extensively to produce stronger and cheaper steels. Acetylene welding and brazing of certain metals has been common for many years. Other compressed, flammable gases such as hydrogen are equally necessary for the welding of certain metals. Some metals and alloys (such as stainless steel, titanium, and zirconium) can be welded only under an inert gas atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is used extensively in fire extinguishers for chemical and electrical fires. In the nuclear industry, uses of compressed gases range from the addition of nuclear grade hydrogen to reactor plant systems to propane and butane for heating components or spaces. Gases are compressed for practical reasons of transportation, storage and use. The definition of compressed gas by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) reads: "... any material or mixture having in the container an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi (pounds per square inch) at 70 F, or regardless of the pressure at 70 F, having an absolute pressure exceeding 140 psi at 130 F; or any flammable material having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100 F."