Basic Safety Precautions Regarding Compressed Gases

Hazards of Chemicals and Gases DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93 COMPRESSED GASES Rev. 0 CH-05 Page 19 Basic Safety Precautions Regarding Compressed Gases Compressed and liquified gases are widely useful due to properties including high heat output in combustion for some gases, high reactivity in chemical processing with other gases, extremely low temperatures available from some gases, and the economy of handling them all in compact form at high pressure or low temperature. These same properties, however, also represent hazards if the gases are not handled with full knowledge and care. Practically all gases can act as simple asphyxiants by displacing the oxygen in air. The chief precaution taken against this potential hazard is adequate ventilation of all enclosed areas in which unsafe concentrations may build up. A second precaution is to avoid entering unventilated areas that might contain high concentrations of gas without first putting on breathing apparatus with a self-contained or hose-line air supply. A number of gases have characteristic odors which can warn of their presence in air. Others, however, like the atmospheric gases, have no odor or color. Warning labels are required for compressed and liquified gas shipping containers. Similar warning signs are placed at the approaches to areas in which the gases are regularly stored and used. Some gases can also have a toxic effect on the human system, either inhalation, through high vapor concentrations, or by liquified gas coming in contact with the skin or the eyes. Adequate ventilation of enclosed areas serves as the chief precaution against high concentrations of gas. In addition, for unusually toxic gases, automatic devices can be purchased or built to monitor the gas concentration constantly and set off alarms if the concentration approaches a danger point. Precautions against skin or eye contact with liquified gases that are toxic or very cold, or both, include thorough knowledge and training for all personnel handling such gases, the development of proper procedures and equipment for handling them, and special protective clothing and equipment (for example, protective garments, gloves, and face shields). With flammable gases, it is necessary to guard against the possibility of fire or explosion. Ventilation, in addition to safe procedures and equipment to detect possible leaks, represents a primary precaution against these hazards. If fire breaks out, suitable fire extinguishing apparatus and preparation will limit damage. Care must also taken to keep any flammable gas from reaching any source of ignition or heat (such as sparking electrical equipment, sparks struck by ordinary tools, boiler rooms, or open flames). Oxygen poses a combustible hazard of a special kind. Although oxygen does not ignite, it lowers the ignition point of flammable substances and greatly accelerates combustion. It should not be allowed closer than 10 feet to any flammable substance, including grease and oil, and should be stored no closer than 10 feet to cylinders or tanks containing flammable gases.