Hazards of Chemicals and GasesDOE-HDBK-1015/2-93COMPRESSED GASESRev. 0CH-05Page 19BasicSafetyPrecautionsRegardingCompressedGasesCompressed and liquified gases are widely useful due to properties including high heat outputin combustion for some gases, high reactivity in chemical processing with other gases, extremelylow temperatures available from some gases, and the economy of handling them all in compactform at high pressure or low temperature. These same properties, however, also representhazards if the gases are not handled with full knowledge and care.Practically all gases can act as simple asphyxiants by displacing the oxygen in air. The chiefprecaution taken against this potential hazard is adequate ventilation of all enclosed areas inwhich unsafe concentrations may build up. A second precaution is to avoid entering unventilatedareas that might contain high concentrations of gas without first putting on breathing apparatuswith a self-contained or hose-line air supply. A number of gases have characteristic odors whichcan warn of their presence in air. Others, however, like the atmospheric gases, have no odor orcolor. Warning labels are required for compressed and liquified gas shipping containers. Similarwarning signs are placed at the approaches to areas in which the gases are regularly stored andused.Some gases can also have a toxic effect on the human system, either inhalation, through highvapor concentrations, or by liquified gas coming in contact with the skin or the eyes. Adequateventilation of enclosed areas serves as the chief precaution against high concentrations of gas.In addition, for unusually toxic gases, automatic devices can be purchased or built to monitorthe gas concentration constantly and set off alarms if the concentration approaches a dangerpoint. Precautions against skin or eye contact with liquified gases that are toxic or very cold,or both, include thorough knowledge and training for all personnel handling such gases, thedevelopment of proper procedures and equipment for handling them, and special protectiveclothing and equipment (for example, protective garments, gloves, and face shields).With flammable gases, it is necessary to guard against the possibility of fire or explosion.Ventilation, in addition to safe procedures and equipment to detect possible leaks, represents aprimary precaution against these hazards. If fire breaks out, suitable fire extinguishing apparatusand preparation will limit damage. Care must also taken to keep any flammable gas fromreaching any source of ignition or heat (such as sparking electrical equipment, sparks struck byordinary tools, boiler rooms, or open flames).Oxygen poses a combustible hazard of a special kind. Although oxygen does not ignite, itlowers the ignition point of flammable substances and greatly accelerates combustion. It shouldnot be allowed closer than 10 feet to any flammable substance, including grease and oil, andshould be stored no closer than 10 feet to cylinders or tanks containing flammable gases.
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