Compressed Gases[Name], [Title]

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Compressed Gases – An OverviewThe use of compressed gases of all types is very common. We use compressed gas to keep food cold in the refrigerator, in anesthetics for surgery, to provide oxygen to patients, to manufacture products, to cut metal and to heat our homes.

Compressed gas, if handled incorrectly, improperly stored, or misused, can be deadly.

What is Compressed Gas?

A material or mixture in a container with absolute pressure of 40 psi at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A material or mixture in a container with an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130 degrees

Fahrenheit. A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi absolute at 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

(Absolute pressure is the pressure reading on the gauge plus local atmospheric pressure. “Sea Level” atmospeheric pressure is 14.7.)

Compressed Gas Hazards

Compressed gases may be hazardous because they are:

Under high pressure, cylinders can rupture or a valve can break off, turning the cylinder into a “rocket.” Flammable, it can catch fire and burn – when stored in a pressurized cylinder there is a lot of gas to

burn. An asphyxiant, it displaces oxygen for breathing causing death by asphyxiation. Oxidizing and can explode violently if exposed to organic and combustible materials. Corrosive, corrosive gases can attack tissue. Toxic or highly toxic and poisonous. Cryogenic causing frostbite or burns if they come in contact with skin.

Some compressed gases have their own regulations, such as: acetylene, hydrogen, oxygen and others. Gases like chlorine, sulfer dioxide and nitrogen, do not have specific regulations but are covered under § 1910.101.

If your company uses compressed gases, it should develop a written Compressed Gas Plan, which should be reviewed periodically and updated as circumstances change.

You need to be aware that state plans may have more stringent requirements than their federal counterparts. Check with your state regarding any additional requirements.

Training Tips:

Review 29 CFR 1910.101 and any state applicable requirements. Review the company’s written Compressed Gas Plan and be able to inform the employees of its location. Explain the possible hazards associated with compressed gases and ways to protect themselves.

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Explain procedures to be used in an emergency, also what to do if there is a leak or other problem with the compressed gas.

Point out examples of “Hazard Warning” and “Cautionary” signs used in your facitlity and what they mean.

Review the proper way and demonstrate how to move and store compressed gases in your facility (if applicable).

If applicable, demostrate how to visually inspect compressed gas cylinders.

More Information:

29 CFR 1910:101 – Compressed gas general requirements

29 CFR 1910:102 – Acetylene

29 CFR 1910:103 – Hydrogen

29 CFR 1910:104 – Oxygen

29 CFR 1910:105 – Nitrous Oxide

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Compressed Gas Safety Handout

OverviewCompressed gases are extremely useful in our lives. At the same time, if not handled and stored properly, compressed gases can be hazardous. Compressed gas can be flammable, poisonous, corrosive or any combination of these (see chart to the right).Flammable Compressed Gases:

Explode if handled roughly or exposed to heat. Ignite by heat, sparks or flames. Flash back if vapors travel to a source of ignition. Produce irritating or poisonous gas when burning.

Non-flammable Compressed Gases: When mixed with fuels can become explosive.

Health Effects of Compressed Gases: Can be harmful if inhaled. Can have extremely irritating vapors. Can cause cryogenic burns to skin and eyes. Can produce irritating or poisonous gas when burning. Can causes dizziness, unconsciousness or suffocation.

COMPRESSED GAS HAZARDS

STORED UNDER HIGH PRESSUREWhen a high-pressure cylinder accidentally ruptures or when a valve assembly breaks off, rocketing can occur. A compressed gas cylinder has enough stored energy to blast through a concrete wall.

FLAMMABLEFlammable gases catch fire easily and burn quickly. Adding flammability to a compression hazard can create an extremely dangerous situation.

ASPHYXIANT (INERT)Inert gases can displace oxygen needed for breathing, leading to suffocation of exposed employees.

OXIDIZINGOxidizing gases can explode violently when they come in contact with organic and combustible materials. Containers of oxidizing gases must be kept free of oils, grease and other hydrocarbon-based materials

CORROSIVECorrosive gases attack exposed tissues and other materials. Special PPE and a self-contained breathing apparatus is required when handling these gases. Know the locations of eyewashes and emergency showers.

TOXICPoisonous gases should only be handled by specially trained workers. Appropriate PPE is always required.

CRYOGENICExtremely cold gases or liquids can cause frostbite or burned

Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders

Compressed gas cylinders require careful handling to prevent damage. When handling cylinders:

Use specialized hand trucks to move cylinders in as near an upright position as possible. Secure cylinder to hand truck before moving.

Do not drop or bang cylinders together.

Do not roll, drag or slide cylinders. NEVER use cylinders as rollers or supports.

Don’t lift cylinders by the cap.

Don’t use magnets to lift cylinders.

Cradles or platforms can be used to lift cylinders only if

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Compressed Gas Storage Guidelines Store cylinders in an upright position. Store cylinders in a safe, dry, well ventilated place that

is clean and free of combustible materials. Avoid areas where the cylinders can be knocked down

or damaged. Store the cylinders in a position that ensures the safety

relief device is always in direct contact with the cylinder’s vapor space.

Store oxygen compressed gas cylinders at least 20 feet from flammables or combustibles or separate them by a 5 foot tall (with a burn time of 30 minutes) fire-resistant barrier.

skin if they come into contact with exposed skin. These gases can also displace oxygen, causing an asphyxiation hazard.

Notes:Where does my company keep compressed gas cylinders ?

What compressed gases are in my workplace?

Does my workplace have a written Compressed Gas Policy and where can I get a copy of it?

What PPE do I need for my job?

In case of an emergency I should contact:

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Compressed Gases Sign –Off SheetThe employees of __________Company Name______________________________, have taken part in a training session on Chemical Protection. The session covered:

Hazards associated with compressed gases. Protecting Oneself from the hazards associated with compressed gases. Procedures to be followed after discovering a compressed gas leak or problem. Hazards of mishandling compressed gases. Guidelines for compressed gas storage.

DATE OF TRAINING: FACILITY:

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE PRINT NAME

________________________________________________________

Supervisors Signature