COMPRESSED GASES
DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93
Hazards of Chemicals and Gases
CH-05
Rev. 0
Page 28
Compressed Gases Summary (Cont.)
Non-liquified gases are gases that do not liquify in containers at ambient
temperatures and under pressures attained in commercially used containers that
range to 2000 to 2500 psig.
Liquified gases are gases which do become liquids to a very large extent in
containers at ordinary ambient temperatures, and at pressures from 25 to
2500 psig.
Dissolved gases are gases dissolved into a solution.
The major families of gases are:
atmospheric gases
aerosol gases
fuel gases
poison gases
refrigerant gases
The general safety precautions for gases:
Ensure there is adequate ventilation of enclosed areas.
Avoid entering unventilated areas that might contain high concentrations of gas
without first putting on breathing apparatus with a self-contained or hose-line air
supply.
Take precautions against skin or eye contact with liquified gases that are toxic or
very cold, or both.
The proper storage and handling of containers avoids many possible incidents.
The safety precautions for working with cryogenic liquids are:
Stand clear of boiling or splashing liquid and its vapors.
Never allow an unprotected part of the body to touch uninsulated pipes or vessels
that contain cryogenic fluids.
Use tongs, or a similar device, to withdraw objects immersed in a cryogenic liquid.
Use appropriate eye and hand protection.
