Taylor-Wharton Bulk Tank Safety Data - Manual (Page 4)

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gas exists. Safety goggles or a face shield should be worn around cryogenic equipment.
Ejection or splashing may occur, or cold gas may be released from equipment. Clean
insulated gloves that can be easily removed and long sleeves are recommended for arm
protection. Cuffless trousers should be worn outside boots or over the shoes to shed
spilled liquid. If clothing should be splashed with liquid oxygen or otherwise saturated, the
clothing will be highly flammable and easily ignited. While the concentrated oxygen
remains, air out the clothing immediately, removing it if possible. Do not consider
saturated clothing safe for at least 30 minutes.
For more detailed information concerning safety precautions and safe practices to be
observed when handling cryogenic liquids, consult CGA pamphlet P-12 “Handling
Cryogenic Liquids” (see page 15).
Liquid Oxygen
Oxygen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be condensed into a liquid at
the low temperature of -297°F (-183°C) under normal atmospheric pressure. Approxi-
mately one-fifth of normal air is oxygen. As a liquid, oxygen is a pale blue color.
Oxygen causes fire to burn rapidly. 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 burn normally in air require
only a quick 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 present. Keep
all organic materials including hydrocarbons and other flammable substances away from
contact with liquid nitrogen. Some of the materials that can react violently with oxygen are
oil, grease, kerosene, cloth, wood, paint, tar and dirt which contains oil or grease. Under
certain conditions, flammable materials which have been permeated with liquid oxygen
are impact sensitive and can detonate if subject to shock.
Keep area 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
install oxygen equipment on asphalt surfaces or allow grease or oil deposits on concrete
surfaces in the vicinity of the oxygen equipment. Equipment to be used in contact with
liquid nitrogen should be handled only with clean gloves or hands washed clean of oil.
Replacement parts must be suitable for oxygen service. Many materials, especially
some non-metallic gaskets and seals constitute a combustion hazard when in oxygen
service, although they may be acceptable for use with other cryogenic liquids. Make no
substitutions for recommended spare parts. Also, be sure all replacement parts are
thoroughly “Clean for Oxygen Service” (see page 15).