Taylor-Wharton Bulk Tank Safety Data - Manual (Page 5)

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Observe safety codes when locating oxygen equipment. Prior to installation, become
thoroughly familiar with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard No.
50, “Bulk Oxygen Systems” (see page 15), and with all local safety codes. The NFPA
Standard covers the general principles recommended for installation of bulk oxygen
systems on industrial and institutional consumer premises.
Liquid Nitrogen and Liquid Argon
Nitrogen is an inert, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas which makes up four-fifths of
the air you breathe. Liquid nitrogen is obtained by cooling air until it becomes a liquid
and the removing the oxygen which makes up most of the other fifth of air. Liquid
nitrogen is at a temperature of -320°F (-196°C) under normal atmospheric pressure.
Liquid argon is an inert gas whose physical properties are very similar to nitrogen and
represents about 1% of the air you breathe.
Keep equipment area well ventilated. Although nitrogen and argon are non-toxic and
non-flammable, they can cause asphyxiation in a confined area without adequate
ventilation. Any atmosphere which does not contain enough oxygen for breathing can
cause dizziness, unconsciousness, or even death. Nitrogen and argon are colorless,
odorless, and tasteless and cannot be detected by the human senses. They will be
inhaled normally as if gas were air. Without adequate ventilation, the expanding gas will
displace the normal air without warning that a non life-supporting atmosphere is
present. Store liquid containers outdoors or in other well-ventilated areas.
Dispose of waste liquid and argon safely. Dispose of waste liquefied gases out-of-
doors where cold temperature cannot damage floors or driveways and where they will
evaporate rapidly. An outdoor pit filled with clean sand or gravel will evaporate liquid
nitrogen and argon safely and quickly.
Liquid Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a flammable, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas which may be
condensed into a liquid at the very low temperature of -423°F (-253°C) under normal
atmospheric pressure. Gaseous hydrogen is always present where there is liquid
hydrogen. Hydrogen gas burns with a pale blue, almost invisible flame when mixed with
air or other oxidizers, and is explosive over a wide range of mixture.
Eliminate hydrogen accumulation and ignition sources.
Concentrations of hydrogen between 4% and 75% by volume in air are relatively easy to
ignite by a low-energy spark. Smoking, open flames, unapproved electrical equipment,
and other ignition sources must not be permitted in hydrogen areas. Possible ignition by
electrostatic sparks must be prevented by earthgrounding all hydrogen storage
and handling equipment. Hydrogen containers should be stored outdoors in
well-ventilated areas.