health and safety aspects of oxygen systems

1. Ministry of Health
KINGDOM OF ESWATINI
Eswatini National BME Oxygen Workshop 2024
Module 7
Health and Safety in Oxygen Systems

2. 1. Oxygen and Related Hazards
2. Basic Oxygen Safety Guidelines
3. Safety from a Production and Storage Perspective
4. Design and Specifications in Oxygen Systems
5. Oxygen Cleaning
6. Safety in Oxygen Transportation
7. Safety in Oxygen Delivery Systems
8. Personal Protective Clothing
9. Conclusion
2
Outline

3. Oxygen and Related Hazards
3
Understanding Oxygen Related Hazards
Although oxygen itself is chemically stable (not shock-
sensitive, will not decompose, and is not
flammable) ; its use involves a degree of risk that
shall never be
overlooked.
Despite being a strong oxidizer which vigorously
supports combustion, oxygen also posses as a high
risk in its pressurized form.
It should thus be noted that Oxygen poses as a threat
in all forms (Liquid , Gas ) and in various ambient
conditions – ( Pressure and Temperature)
Parameters that define some of the
operating conditions relevant to the
hazards of an oxygen system:
(a) Temperature
(b) Pressure
(c) Oxygen concentration
(d) Flow velocity
(e) Rubbing parameters (load, speed)
(f) Multiple duty cycles
It is important to note that the state of
Oxygen also comes with hazards that
may differ

4.  International Standards and Codes provide basic
safety guidelines on handling, storage,
transportation and use of oxygen
 Standards: Standards are a set of technical
definitions and guidelines that function as
instructions for designers, manufacturers,
operators, or users of equipment
 Example: ISO 7396-1:2016 - Medical gas
pipeline systems
 Codes: Codes are laws or regulations that
specify minimum standards to promote harmony
or health and safety
 Example: Code HS 280440 on Oxygen tariff
classification
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Basic Oxygen Safety Guidelines
 Therefore, these standards and
codes provide us guidance in
managing Health and safety in the
aspects of
1. Personal Training
2. Basic Oxygen Safety
3. Safety Reviews
4. Waivers
5. Fire Prevention
6. Warning Systems and Controls

5.  Standard Operation Procedures
 Safety Gear / Behavioral Aspects
 Plant / Equipment Maintenance and Reliability
 Protection Systems (Fire, Overpressure, Emergency Response etc.)
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Safety from a Production and Storage …..(1)
Cryogenic Process PSA Process Oxygen Concentrators

6.  Health and Safety in the Storage perspective
entails procedures and safety measures taken in
installation, handling and operation of Oxygen
Storage Systems (Both LOX and Gas Cylinders)
1. Equipment Location (Example: NFPA Code 55)
2. Safety Precautions in Operation
3. Safety Features of Equipment
4. Safety Gear
5. Tank and Cylinder Filling Procedure
6. Commissioning and Gas Supply to medical
facilities
7. Safe storage distance e.g. 20ft (6m) from
combustibles
8. Communication Channels
6
Safety from a Production and Storage Perspective …..(2)
Cryogenic Tanks and Oxygen Cylinders
Cryogenic Tanks Oxygen Cylinders

7.  These are codes and standards that provide a guideline in the design and material
specifications in Oxygen systems (Design and manufacture / install safe and reliable Oxygen
Systems)
1. Material Specifications – Materials selected in terms of physical and chemical properties to
prevent ignition and failure under operating conditions (Example: Copper, Nickel-Iron Alloys
& anti-static materials) -
2. Design for Pressure and Temperature in manifolds & storage tanks etc. (Example: Strength ,
Safety Features, Telemetry, Safe Handling)
3. Types of Fittings or Joints (Example: Press fits, Threaded Joints, Brazed joints, Welded
Joints, etc.)
4. Emergency Awareness / Alarm Systems – (Example: Over pressure alarm, Low-Purity, Fire
detectors etc..)
5. Protection Devices – (Example: Interlocks, Over-pressure relief valves, Automatic Isolation
valves etc.)
6. Design Reviews , FMEA , Critical Design Review (CDR), System Safety Analysis/Safety
Review (SSA/SR), Worst Case Scenario Tests )
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Design and Specifications in Oxygen Systems

8. 8
Oxygen Cleaning
 System cleanliness is critical in oxygen
components and systems because contaminants
may cause functional anomalies or ignition.
 Oxygen systems must be thoroughly cleaned, leak
tested, and purged with clean, oil-free, filtered, dry,
Nitrogen or Helium before they are flashed with
oxygen
 Effective cleaning gets rid of contaminates like
rust, dust ,oil/grease films, mill scale, weld spatter
etc.. (Some of these materials ignite with
friction)
 Cleaning aids and materials; such as gloves,
brushes, wipers, protective garments, packaging
materials, and chemicals; must be tested and
approved before use in any cleaning operation
Nitrogen
Cylinder
Recirculation Tank

9.  Oxygen is transported in Bulk Liquid form or in Gaseous state using portable cylinders
 Standards and guidelines for the transportation of oxygen are for the protection of
people and infrastructure
 The following points are critical in Oxygen Transportation:
1. The tankage design will be in accordance with accepted design practice
2. Redundant relief protection must be provided
3. Isolation from collision damage
4. Prevention of venting while vehicle is in motion
5. Fail free-brake emergency system for truck
6. Standardized labelling of Cryogenic Tanks and Provision of Safety data sheets
9
Safety in Oxygen Transportation..(1)

10. 10
Safety in Oxygen Transportation..(2)

11.  Oxygen delivery systems make up the last section of the Oxygen loop, being the
medium of transfer to the patients
 Critical safety aspects include:
1. Ensuring that proper pressure and purity monitoring systems are in place
2. Delivery systems must be kept clean and safe from contamination or unfavorable
condition (Example: Home use concentrators must be kept away from cosmetics etc.)
3. Pressure regulators must be correctly set and monitored for functionality
4. Alarm systems fully functional (Visual and Audible alarms in place)
5. Backup systems must be readily available and serviceable
6. Purging systems in case of contamination or low purity (Design Aspect)
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Safety in Oxygen Delivery Systems

12.  One of the most critical aspects of Health and
Safety in the workplace
 PPE is specifically there to protect the user/
Technician when handling Oxygen or working on
Oxygen systems
1. Eye Protection (Pressurized gas and Welding/
Brazing process)
2. Oxygen Masks
3. Gloves (Cryogenic Systems, Welding / Fitting
process)
4. Face shield (In high pressure leak tests)
5. Footwear
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Personal Protective Clothing (PPE)

13.  Relevant Standards (Sample)
1. Occupational Health and Safety Standards - ISO 45001 (2018)
2. ISO 7396-1:2016 - Design, Installation, Function, Performance, Documentation,
Testing and Commissioning of compressed medical gas and vacuum pipeline systems
3. NFPA 55 - Installation, Storage and use of gasses
 Personal Development and Training
 Standard Operating Procedures
 Continuous Improvement of Health and Safety Policy at Organizational and National
Level
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Conclusion