DAN ITW Oxygen Safety

1. DAN ITWOxygen Safety

2. Oxygen Safety “Probably the biggest problem with people using oxygen is a lack of knowledge of the risks associated with oxygen use and the measures needed to reduce the risk.” CGA President, Carl Johnson

3. Oxygen Safety “The total number of incidents related to oxygen is low, but the results of a single incident can be devastating.” CGA President, Carl Johnson

4. Oxygen Safety • Oxygen does not burn: It is not a flammable substance, so on its own it does not present a fire hazard. • Without oxygen, substances will not burn • Oxygen is an aggressive accelerator • Add oxygen to heat & fuel –the fire triangle –a fire will burn

5. Oxygen Safety • Materials that will burn in air will burn violently in atmosphere richer than approximately 25 percent oxygen • Materials, like metals, which are normally considered nonflammable in air, will burn in pure oxygen

6. Oxygen Safety “The volume (size) of the oxygen-enriched atmosphere will increase form the point of use. The amount of oxygen flowing, the size of the room or space, and the degree of confinement will determine the extent of the hazard.” United States Fire Administration

7. Oxygen Safety “Emergency responders should always consider the space within three feet / 1 meter of the oxygen release point as being oxygen-enriched.” USFA

8. Oxygen Safety • An open flame could be something as simple as a spark • Avoid wearing wool, nylon or synthetic fibers • These can produce static electricity • In this instance, the fuel source (clothing) becomes the heat source (static electricity) • Cotton does not produce static electricity

9. Oxygen Safety • All safety procedures used for scuba cylinders also applies to oxygen cylinders • No part of the cylinder should be subjected to temperatures higher than 125F/52C • Cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures of 131F/55C when it’s 80F/27C outside.

10. Oxygen Safety • Opening the valve on an oxygen cylinder too quickly allows a sudden release of high-pressure gas; this may create rapid compression resulting in heat • The more rapid the pressure rise from opening the cylinder valve, the more heat produced • This heat is sufficient to start a fire

11. Oxygen Safety • Dirt or dust on the cylinder valve or regulator can be the fuel needed • Oil, hand cream or suntan lotion (hydrocarbons ) on your skin can be the fuel needed • Grease has a high volatility

12. Oxygen Safety Tips • Seek proper training in handling and use • Don’t drag, roll or slide cylinders • Store in a clean, dry area • Don’t pick up cylinders by valve stems • Keep cylinders secured, especially during transport • Don’t store in car trunk or other enclosed area

13. Oxygen Safety Tips • Open valves slowly • Keep cylinders out of direct sunlight • Use in well-ventilated areas • Keep turned off when not in use • Post “No Smoking, Oxygen in Use” signs • Assure no open flames • Avoid salt or other corrosives

14. Oxygen Safety Tips • Wash hands before working with oxygen • Use valve caps or plugs to avoid dirt & dust from gathering around valve or regulator • Designate a “clean area” for system maintenance • Check system at regular intervals to assure cleanliness and working properly

15. Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries