Taylor-Wharton Microbulk Tanks - Manual (Page 6)

TW-407 Rev.-
4
The following safety precautions are for your protection. Before installing, operating, or maintain-
ing this unit read and follow all safety precautions in this section and in the reference publications.
Failure to observe all safety precautions can result in property damage, personal injury, or possibly
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.
CAUTION: When installing field-fabricated piping, it is recommended to make certain a suitable safety
valve is installed in each section of piping between shut-off valves.
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” avail-
able from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
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 pres-
sure. Approximately one-fifth of normal air is oxygen. As a liquid, oxygen is pale blue in color. Ox-
ygen is non-flammable; however it vigorously accelerates the burning of combustible materials.
Keep Combustibles Away from oxygen and eliminate ignition sources. Many
substances that 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 sub stanc-
es, 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 vi-
olently with oxygen are oil, grease, kerosene, cloth, wood, paint, tar, and dirt that
contains oil or grease. Under certain conditions flammable materials that 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 equip-
ment surfaces must be kept very clean. Do not place oxygen equipment on as-
phalt 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 con-
tact 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 ac-
cumulations of oxygen and thereby minimize combustion hazards.
WARNINGS