The document emphasizes the importance of proper handling and safety protocols for compressed gases, which are often underestimated by users. It outlines guidelines for secure storage, handling, and the necessity for engineering and administrative controls, highlighting various safety levels associated with different types of gases. Additionally, it stresses the need for end-user awareness to prevent safety hazards related to misuse of compressed gases.

1. Compressed Gases: The Orphan HazardNeal LangermanAdvanced Chemical SafetySan Diego, CA

2. Compressed Gas ConsiderationsBasic assumption: “Everyone knows how to handle CG correctly”Basic practice: “Secure the cylinder” and all is coolReality: Neither of the above is correct.Purpose today: To remind you that compressed gases are chemicals too, which have a unique property (HP)Point out a few of the standard guidelines2Compressed Gas Safety

3. Compressed Gas ConsiderationsThe package side of a CG system is well engineeredHighly regulated in transit and useThe end-user side is at the mercy of the userEngineering is arbitraryOversight is limitedSystem failure rate is lowCompressed Gas Safety3

4. Compressed Gas Considerations4Compressed Gas Safety

5. Compressed Gas ConsiderationsBased on Headline Data5Compressed Gas Safety

6. Compressed Gas Considerations6Compressed Gas Safety

7. Compressed Gas Considerations7Compressed Gas Safety

8. Compressed Gas Considerations8Compressed Gas SafetyOxidizer & Flammable

9. Compressed Gas Considerations9Compressed Gas Safety

10. Compressed Gas Handling GuidelinesCompressed Gas AssociationPublication Locatorhttp://www.cganet.com/customer/publication.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1P-1 Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in ContainersP-12 Safe Handling of Cryogenic LiquidsHB Handbook of Compressed Gaseshttp://www.scribd.com/doc/55730782/Nicollet-Compress-Gas-Plan (a very good CG Safety Plan)10Compressed Gas Safety

11. Compressed Gas Handling GuidelinesChemical HazardsCorrosiveFlammable, including pyrophoric (eg: silane)Toxic, including “super” toxic (eg: arsine)OxidizerCryogenic11Compressed Gas Safety

12. Compressed Gas Handling GuidelinesPhysical StatesCompressed: Nonflammable material or mixture that is contained under pressure exceeding 41 psia (3 bar) at 70°F (21°C) or any flammable or poisonous material that is a gas at 70°F (21°C) and 14.7 psia (1 bar) or greater. Compressed, non-liquifiedCompressed, liquifiedCompressed, in solution12Compressed Gas Safety

13. Compressed Gas Handling GuidelinesCompressed gas cylinders should be secured and stored upright in a well-ventilated, cool, dry, secure area that is protected from the weather, free of combustible materials, and located away from heavily traveled areas, emergency exits, and areas where salt or other corrosive materials are present. Cylinders must be clearly labeled as to their contents. They should also be marked when empty. Fuels and oxidants should not be stored together.Cylinders should never be dropped, dragged, or rolled. Hand-trucks should be used for moving cylinders from one location to another.13Compressed Gas Safety

14. Compressed Gas Handling GuidelinesEngineering Controls - each gas application will have it's own engineering controls depending on the types of hazards and application. Examples of engineering controls are:Fume hoodsGas CabinetsVentilation systemsSmoke detectorsSprinkler systemsFlow RestrictorsScrubbersLeak MonitorsGas cylinder storage areas14Compressed Gas Safety

15. Compressed Gas Handling GuidelinesAdministrative Controls - compressed gas program administrative controls include:Employee trainingSegregation of gas containersInspections and auditsSignsAssignment and use of PPEIdentification of authorized employeesProcedures for receipt, use and storageCompressed Gas Control BandsCylinders in labs or equivalentProcess Risk Assessment is performed15Compressed Gas Safety

16. Compressed Gas Safety LevelsCG Safety Level 1 – use of an inert gas in a situation which may cause an oxygen deficiency (eg: nitrogen, argon)CG Safety Level 2 – use of a flammable, low toxicity simple asphyxiant (eg methane, propane)CG Safety Level 3 – use of pyrophoric gases or liquids (eg: silane)CG Safety Level 4 – use of corrosive, toxic or highly toxic gases (eg: HCl, H2S, Arsine)CG Safety Level – special – use of compressed gases inside chemical fume hoods or other unique set-ups16Compressed Gas Safety

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22. Table NotesBase application on formal process risk assessmentEquipment placed in chemical fume hood qualifies as ventilated enclosureMay be required by local codeA CGSL-4 system using a highly toxic gas in a chemical fume hood must be placed inside a dedicated exhausted enclosureFor CGSL-4 only22Compressed Gas Safety

23. Compressed Gases: Conclusions Well engineered systemsApparent low priorityHigher probability for end-user misuseRaise your level of end-user awarenessPrevent a problem23Compressed Gas Safety

24. Keep your pressure low …Questions???24Compressed Gas Safety