Compressed Gases

Compressed gases are nearly used for every aspect of our lives. Compressed ammonia keeps our food cold and compressed propane grills it. Compressed gases are used as an anesthetic for surgery; provide oxygen to emphysema patients, to manufacture products and to heat our homes. For the most part compressed gases are very safe but if not handled, stored, or used properly they can also be deadly.

Compressed gases are defined as:

• A material or mixture in a container with an absolute pressure of 40 psi at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A material or mixture in a container with an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A liquid material having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi absolute at 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Absolute pressure is the pressure reading on the gauge plus local atmospheric pressure (14.7 psi at sea level).

Compressed Gas Hazards:

• When a high-pressure cylinder accidentally ruptures or when a valve assembly breaks off, rocketing can occur. If the pressure of the contents increases enough it can drive the cylinder, turning it into a missile that can go through a concrete wall.
• Inert gases displace oxygen for breathing and can lead to suffocation if employees are exposed to it.
• Flammable gases catch fire easily and burn quickly. Hydrogen, ethylene, acetylene, propane, and natural gas are some examples. If you were to add flammability to a compression hazard you would have some extremely dangerous materials.
• Corrosive gases attack tissue and other materials, employees should be aware that they will be required to wear special PPE when handling these gases. Eyewashes and emergency showers must be available.
• Oxidizing gases can explode violently when they react with organic and combustible materials. It is important that containers of oxidizing gases or oxygen and associated equipment be free of oils, grease, and other hydrocarbon-based materials. Clothing which has been exposed to an oxygen rich atmosphere is a fire hazard.
• Poison (toxic) gases such as arsine, diborane, chlorine, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and phosphine can only be handled by specially trained employees. Employees must be fully aware of the potential hazards involved and must wear the appropriate PPE to handle them.
• A cryogenic liquid has a boiling point colder than -150 degrees Fahrenheit at 14.7 psia. Besides causing frostbite or burning the skin on contact such a liquid has an asphyxiation hazard associated with it as well. Cryogenic liquids require a higher level off PPE than other substances contained in pressurized tanks.

OSHA developed general compressed gas regulations as well as gas specific regulations to eliminate and prevent injury and illness associated with compressed gases regardless of content or packaging. 29 CFR 1910.101, compressed gases general requirements.

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