oxygen deficiency iyad sawalha, air products

Middle East Gases Association

Oxygen Deficiency

Iyad Sawalha, Air Products

Dubai | 5 December 2013


OXYGEN DEFICIENCY

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It’s a phenomenon

INSIDIOUS (causing harm in a way that is gradual or not easily noticed)SUDDENWITHOUT WARNING


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3 WEEKS WITHOUT FOOD

3 DAYS WITHOUT DRINK

3 MINUTES WITHOUT BREATHING

2 BREATHS WITHOUT OXYGEN

ENDANGER YOUR LIFE


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IN CASE OF PROGRESSIVE OXYGEN DEFICIENCY O2 content is decreasing in blood

Progressive Asphyxiation O2 content less than 18%

These symptoms are similar to those of general malaise and are not recognized as asphyxiation by the victim (inert gases are odorless, colorless, tasteless)

* Vertigo (whirling or spinning movement) * reduction and loss of

consciousness

* headache * dulling of the mind

* speech difficulties * loss of muscle control

IN CASE OF TOTAL OXYGEN DEFICIENCY the blood suddenly loses its oxygen

WITHIN A FEW MINUTES,BRAIN DAMAGE MAY BE IRREVERSIBLE

WITH 0% OXYGEN, THE SECOND BREATH WILL CAUSELOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS WITHOUT WARNING


In all cases:THE VICTIM NEVER REALISES THE RISK»With less than 6% of oxygen :

Immediate loss of consciousness

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If the Oxygen atmosphere deficiency is only between 10 and 18%:

THE VICTIM FEELS ONLY GENERAL MALAISE AND DOES NOT RELATE THIS TO THE ONSET OF ASPHYXIATION


Hazardous Atmospheres: Oxygen Deficient

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19.5 % Minimum acceptable O2 level15-19% Decreased ability to work strenuously; Impair

coordination12-14% Respiration increases; Poor judgment10-12% Respiration increases; Lips blue.8-10% Mental failure; Fainting; Nausea;

Unconsciousness; Vomiting 6-8% 8 minutes – fatal; 6 minutes - 50% fatal; 4-5

minutes - possible recovery4-6% Coma in 40 seconds; Death


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About a million employees enter confined spaces every day. In most cases, those workers complete their task without incident, but despite the many precautions in place, 70 workers per year never make it back out alive.

usually NO second chances !

How can you identify a confined space ?

A confined space is a space which has any of the following characteristics :»Limited opening for entry and exit»Unfavorable natural ventilation»Not designed for continuous worker occupancy


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You must :


» Training… Established Emergency Response Procedures… Appropriate equipment and techniques

» Rescue should be well planned… Frequent Drills

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RESCUE

Remember:an unplanned rescue will probably be your last

KEY WORD :

When you design a gas installation When you install and commission a gas installation When you work on a gas installation Before acting in an emergency Before reacting to any accident or incident

THINK !


Preventive measures

Always check where gas release will goVERIFY periodically the extraction system efficiencyInstall, if necessary, an DETECTOR with an alarm systemVENT rooms where liquid gases are utilized or stored

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What to do

Explain Asphyxiation dangers, create and enforce a procedure to enter: WORK PERMIT

Prepare for emergencies with appropriate equipmentTRAIN PEOPLE to verify the equipment & procedures before

issuing the permit


Before entering: Assess risks / consequences to yourself and other

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Pipe vents to a safe Area

Look for leaks

Do not rely on a closed valve which may leak

Always use physical isolation methods, e.g. blind flanges

Any noise indicating a possible leak

Abnormal fluid flow


If you hear a gas leak If you see cold vapors

If you have symptoms of general malaise If a colleague lies unconscious

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CONCLUSION

CONSIDER THE ASPHYXIATION RISK

LEAVE THE DANGER AREA

IMPLEMENT THE APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES


Thank you

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oxygen deficiency iyad sawalha, air products

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