online self-study compressed gas safety objectives in accordance with osha's hazardous...

34
ONLINE SELF-STUDY Compressed Gas Safety

Upload: maliyah-lynes

Post on 14-Dec-2015

214 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

ONLINE SELF-STUDY

Compressed Gas Safety

Objectives

In accordance with OSHA's Hazardous Materials standard (29 CFR 1910 Subpart H) it is important:To understand hazards associated with compressed gases.

To learn how to effectively manage these hazards.

To learn about University policies regarding compressed gas use.

About Compressed Gases

A compressed gas cylinder is any cylinder specifically designed to contain gases under pressure of greater than one atmosphere, and having the capability of dispensing the gas by the means of a control valve mechanism to assure the safe and proper use of the gas at a point of operation.

About Compressed Gases

Compressed gases are hazardous because they can cause fires, explosions, oxygen deficient atmospheres, and toxic gas exposures. In addition there are the innate physical hazards associated with cylinders under high pressure.

About Compressed Gases

A variety of compressed gases exist, including flammables, non-flammables, explosives, corrosives, as well as toxic and oxidizing gases.

Reference labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and other safety literature for specific hazard information.

About Compressed Gases

Special storage, usage, handling and disposal procedures are necessary to ensure the safety of employees using compressed gases.

Also, compressed gases should be included in chemical inventories . For laboratories, their hazards should be indicated on lab entrance signs.

Labels

All compressed gas cylinders must bear labels that clearly identify the contents.

Labels

No compressed gas cylinder should be accepted that does not have its contents identified by name.

If labeling on a cylinder is not clear and the contents cannot be identified, the cylinder should be marked "contents unknown" and returned directly to the manufacturer.

Labels

Do not use the color of a cylinder for identification. Color coding may vary between suppliers. Also, do not rely on labels on cylinder caps because these caps are interchangeable.

Storage

Store cylinders in designated areas where they will not be knocked over or damaged by passing or falling objects. Where cylinders are stored in the open, they should be protected from accumulations of ice and snow and from the direct rays of the sun. Full cylinders should be used in rotation as received from the supplier.

Storage

Cylinders should not be subjected to a temperature above 125°F, nor should a flame ever be permitted to come in contact with any part of a compressed gas cylinder.

Tanks should not be stored in cold rooms due to the lack of exhaust in these spaces.

Storage

Compressed gas cylinders must be in an upright position and supported at all times, whether full or empty.

Be sure to secure the cylinder above its center of gravity (~2/3 up the cylinder).

Do NOT secure cylinders by the valve.

Do NOT attempt to catch a falling cylinder.

Storage

Acceptable methods of support include:

wall-mounted or bench-mounted gas cylinder brackets

chains or belts anchored to walls or benches

dollies or carts designed for gas cylinders and equipped with safety chains or belts

Storage

The picture to the right is an example of how NOT to secure a compressed gas cylinder. This does not provide sufficient support.

Securing cylinders individually is ideal. If cylinders must be ganged together for storage, only gang two cylinders together at a time, if possible. If it is necessary to gang more cylinders together please contact EHS for advice.

Transporting Cylinders

Valve caps must be securely fastened before cylinders are moved. Use appropriate dollies or hand trucks to move cylinders weighing more than 50 pounds. Cylinders should never be rolled or dragged.

Transporting Cylinders

Improper handling can seriously weaken the cylinder and render it unfit for further use, or transform it into a rocket having sufficient thrust to drive it through walls. (You can watch the MythBusters make this happen.)

Regulators and Gauges

Pressure regulators and gauges must be compatible with the cylinder valves. You may not use "cheaters" (adapters) instead of the correct regulator and gauge.

Regulators and Gauges

The Compressed Gas Association has devised standard outlet connections to prevent mixing of incompatible gases. Outlet threads may vary in diameter. Some are internal, some are external; some are right-handed, some are left-handed.

If a valve must be forced, it is a good sign that the wrong valve is being used.

Regulators and Gauges

All the connections should be checked with a soap solution for leaks (except for oxygen tanks). Never use oil or grease.

Threads on cylinder valves, regulators and other fittings should be inspected regularly to ensure they are correct and undamaged.

Regulators and Gauges

Cylinders should be visually inspected to ensure that they are in safe condition. If a leaking cylinder is discovered, move it to a safe place (if it is safe to do so) and contact EHS for precautionary advice and disposal assistance. You should also call the vendor as soon as possible.

Do NOT attempt to repair a cylinder or valve.

Special Notes

Lecture BottlesLecture bottles are small compressed gas cylinders, typically 12-18 inches long and 2-3 inches in diameter.

Lecture bottles should be secured during use. All lecture bottles containing hazardous gases should be used in a chemical fume hood. These cylinders are typically non-returnable.

Special Notes

Hydrogen and AcetyleneHydrogen is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. Acetylene is a colorless gas with a distinctive garlic-like odor.

These are both flammable gases. A mixture of either gas with oxygen or air in a confined area will explode if ignited by spark, flame or other source of ignition.

Special Notes

Hydrogen and AcetylenePost all hydrogen and/or acetylene storage and usage locations with permanent placards that read:

HYDROGEN/ACETYLENE - FLAMMABLE GAS -

- NO SMOKING -- NO OPEN FLAMES -

Special Notes

OxygenOxygen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It can greatly accelerate combustion. These cylinders should never be stored near flammable gases.

Greasy or oily material should never be stored around oxygen. Also, do not use soap based leak detector compounds on the connection threads of an oxygen cylinder.

Special Notes

Corrosive GasesCorrosive gases can burn and destroy body tissues on contact. Corrosive gases can also attack and corrode metals. Common corrosive gases include ammonia, hydrogen chloride, chlorine and methylamine.

Special Notes

Cryogenic GasesCryogenic gases are extremely cold and accidental contact with eyes or skin may cause severe frostbite.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn by employees who handle and use cryogenic gas cylinders. This includes gloves constructed of insulating materials, rubber aprons, safety glasses or goggles and a complete face shield.

Special Notes

Cryogenic GasesProper PPE:

Special Notes

Cryogenic GasesTremendous pressures can result in enclosed spaces as the liquid converts to gas. For example, one cubic centimeter of liquid nitrogen will expand to 700 times this volume as it converts to its gaseous state.

For this reason, asphyxiation can be an issue. Depending on the size of a room and volume of gas, an oxygen monitor may be needed.

Special Notes

Dangerous GasesAny gases that may cause significant acute health effects at a low concentration are considered dangerous gases.

Cylinders of dangerous gases, such as ammonia, carbonyl sulfide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, methylamine, and nitric oxide, must follow the University's Dangerous Gas Policy.

Disposal

There are two general types of compressed gas cylinders: returnable (owned by the gas supplier, rental fee charged to the University) non-returnable

Most suppliers will accept the return of their cylinders even if they are not empty. However, suppliers will not accept non-returnable cylinders under any circumstances. Lecture bottles are typically non-returnable.

Disposal

Disposal of non-returnable cylinders containing highly toxic or reactive gas can be very expensive. Therefore, purchase compressed gases in returnable cylinders if available. If non-returnable cylinders are the only alternative, be prepared to pay for the cost of disposal. To dispose of these cylinders request a waste pickup online through EHS.

Review

All compressed gas cylinders must bear labels that clearly identify the contents.

Compressed gas cylinders must be in an upright position and supported at all times, whether full or empty. Acceptable methods of support include: wall-mounted or bench-mounted gas cylinder

brackets; chains or belts anchored to walls or benches;

and, free-standing dollies or carts designed for gas

cylinders and equipped with safety chains or belts.

Review

Gas cylinders must have the valve protection cap in place except when in use.

Use appropriate dollies or hand trucks to move cylinders weighing more than 50 pounds.

Review

Pressure regulators and gauges must be compatible with the cylinder valves. You may not use "cheaters" (adapters) instead of the correct regulator and gauge.

Reference labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and other safety literature for specific hazard information.