Taylor-Wharton EF-1500 - Manual (Page 3)

BT-481 REV. B
3
WARNING
The following safety precautions are for your protection. Before installing, operating, or maintaining 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, 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" available 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 pressure. Approximately one-fifth of normal air is
oxygen. As a liquid, oxygen is pale blue in color. Oxygen 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 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, tat, 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 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.
Extreme Cold - Cover Eyes and Exposed Skin
Accidental contact of liquid oxygen or cold issuing gas with the skin or eyes may cause a freezing injury similar to
frostbite. Handle the liquid so that it won't splash or spill. Protect your eyes and cover the skin where the possibility of
contact with the liquid, cold pipes and equipment, or the cold gas exists. Safety goggles or a face shield should be worn
if liquid ejection or splashing may occur or cold gas may issue forcefully 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
with the gas, air out the clothing immediately, removing it if possible. Such clothing will be highly flammable and easily
ignited while the concentrated oxygen remains, and should not be considered safe for at least 30 minutes.
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