Taylor-Wharton High Capacity GST Storage Tanks - Manual (Page 4)

4
WARNING
Following safety precautions are for your protection. Before performing installation,
operating, or maintenance procedures read and follow all safety precautions in this section
and in reference publications. Failure to observe all safety precautions can result in property
damage, personal injury, or possible death. It is the responsibility of the purchaser of this
equipment to adequately warn the user of the precautions and safe practices for the use of
this equipment and the cryogenic fluid stored in it.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR LIQUID OXYGEN
Oxygen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be condensed into a liquid at the low
temperature of 297 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (-183°C) under normal atmospheric pressure.
Approximately one-fifth of normal air is oxygen. As a liquid, oxygen is pale blue in color. Oxygen
is non-flammable but vigorously accelerates the burning of combustible materials.
Keep Combustibles Away from Oxygen and Eliminate Ignition Sources
Many substances, which do not normally burn in air, require only a slight spark or moderate heat to
set them aflame in the presence of concentrated oxygen. Other substances, which are only
moderately combustible in air, can burn violently when a high percentage of oxygen is present.
Do not permit smoking or open flame in any area where liquid oxygen is stored, handled, or used.
Keep all organic materials and other flammable substances away from possible contact with liquid
oxygen. Some of the materials that can react violently with oxygen are oil, grease, kerosene, cloth,
wood, paint, and dirt, which contains oil or grease. Under certain conditions flammable materials,
which have become permeated with liquid oxygen, are impact sensitive and can detonate if
subjected to shock.
Keep Area and Exterior Surfaces Clean to Prevent Ignition
As normal industrial soot and dirt can constitute a combustion hazard, all equipment surfaces must
be kept very clean. Do not place oxygen equipment on asphalt surfaces, or allow grease or oil
deposits to remain on benches or concrete surfaces in the vicinity of the oxygen equipment. Use
cleaning agents, which will not leave organic deposits on the cleaned surfaces. Equipment to be
used in contact with liquid oxygen should be handled only with clean gloves or hands washed clean
of oil.
Maintain Adequate Ventilation
Enclosed areas containing oxygen equipment should be ventilated to prevent accumulations of
oxygen and thereby minimize combustion hazards.