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Compressed Gas Safety for Laboratories

Compressed Gas Safety for Laboratories. Discussion topics: Potential hazards Safety considerations regarding: - Selecting/ Receiving gases - Handling cylinders - Storage - Use Research apparatus/ systems Proper emergency procedures. Stanford University

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Compressed Gas Safety for Laboratories

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  1. Compressed Gas Safety for Laboratories Discussion topics: Potential hazards Safety considerations regarding: - Selecting/ Receiving gases - Handling cylinders - Storage - Use Research apparatus/ systems Proper emergency procedures Stanford University Environmental Health & Safety Occupational Health & Safety Program, x5-3209, lsteng@stanford.edu Stanford Fire Marshal’s Office X3-0609, jleung@stanford.edu Conmpressedgas.Rev.9-2000.ppt IH Report#: 98-080 / SUFMO #02-00

  2. Health & Safety Regulations- Compressed Gas Cylinders (CGCs) • Safety regulations (Cal/OSHA 8 CCR 4649-4650, California Fire Code Article 74 & 80) cover: • Labeling & Construction of CGCs • Safe handling of CGCs • Safe use of CGCs • Safe storage of CGSs • Cal/OSHA regulations online: • http://www.dir.ca.gov/DIR/Title8/sb7g9.html

  3. Characteristics of Gases • Gases are much lighter than liquids & solids. • The molecules of a gas are always in motion. • Escaped gases will eventually distribute themselves throughout the air in a room or other confined space. • Some gases have odors, some do not. • Most gases are invisible, some can be seen.

  4. Types of Gases • Non-liquefied Compressed Gases – Nitrogen, Argon, Helium, Oxygen, Hydrogen • Liquefied Compressed Gases-Chlorine, Hydrogen chloride, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide • Compressed Gases in a Solution-Acetylene • Cryogenic Liquefied Gases-Nitrogen, Argon, Helium, Oxygen, Hydrogen

  5. Potential Hazards • High Pressure • Asphyxiation • Flammability • Explosion • Toxicity • Corrosion • Oxidation • Pyrophoric • Cryogenic

  6. Purchasing/ Receiving Gases REDUCE YOUR RISKS! • Select least hazardous gases that will work • Purchase only necessary quantities • Select gases w/ returnable containers • When receiving gas cylinders: • Check for leaks • Visually inspect for damage • Ensure valve cover and shipping cap is on • Check for proper labeling

  7. Cylinder Story Cylinders come in different sizes, shapes and colors Name DOT Hazard Class Remember the gas supplier must label the cylinder with the contents Check the label before you accept, move or use the cylinder.

  8. Safe Handling of CGCs • Before handling, ensure valve cap is secured • Transport CGCs using a suitable cart • Never rely on valve cap as a handhold • Always take the safest route for transport Do not leave un-restrained cylinders un-attended

  9. Safe Storage of Compressed Gas Cylinders CGC storage area requirements: • Protected from: • external heat sources • passing/ falling objects • Well-ventilated • Isolation from highly flammable materials (>20 ft) • Separation of incompatibles (check SU storage group information) • Restricted access to CGCs • Away from main access/ egress points • Avoid forming part of an electrical circuit with the CGC (Safe storage- cont’d.)

  10. Safe Storage of Compressed Gases • Attach valve cap when CGC is not in service • CGCs shall be held in a suitable rack or secured to other rigid structures • Cylinders must be stored upright • Metal restraints at 1/3 AND 2/3 height of cylinder • Max of 2 CGCs per set of chains • Cylinder bench clamps are NOT allowed

  11. Safe Use of Compressed Gases • DO NOT tamper with the stem and cylinder valves • NEVER use damaged regulators, connectors, piping, etc. • For cylinders in use, cylinder valves must have hand wheel attached • Close cylinder valve whenever: • work is finished • cylinder is empty • Label empty cylinders • Ensure safe & proper exhaust for purging & pressure relief for toxic, flammable, or corrosive gases • Never use cylinders as rollers or supports

  12. Safe Use CGCs--Special Precautions Some gases require special permits and controls for operation. Toxic, corrosive, flammable and pyrophoric gases are examples. Check with your P.I., safety representative or SU EH&S before ordering any of these materials.

  13. Research Apparatus/ Systems • CGCs shall be equipped with connections complying with ANSI B57.1-1965 / CGA (Cylinder Valve Outlet & Inlet Connections) • Label all gas lines • Remember safety devices (check valves, flow restrictors) • Pressure gauges • Select proper construction materials • Leak test system before start-up • Ensure exhaust ventilation for the lab and apparatus is on and working normally prior to opening CGC’s

  14. Emergency Procedures • BE PREPARED! • Know your emergency shutdown procedures • Know your emergency contacts • Know what to do “if” the unexpected happens • Guidance on standard and emergency procedures: • SOP’s are not only good ideas they are required • Laboratory supervisor or local safety coordinator • SU Health & Safety Manual

  15. For More Information • Guide to Safe Handling of Compressed Gases, Matheson • Handbook of Compressed Gases, Compressed Gas Association • Gas Data Book, Matheson • Occupational Health & Safety Program- EH&S • Ling Sue Teng, 725-3209, lsteng@stanford.eud • Stanford Fire Marshal’s Office- EH&S • Joseph Leung, 723-0609, jleung@Stanford.EDU

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