Taylor-Wharton RS-234 - Manual (Page 4)

3
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
°F
(-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 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 that 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, 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 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 cold 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 parts. Also, be sure all replacement parts are thoroughly "Cleaned For Oxygen Service" in
accordance with Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Pamphlet G-4.1 "Cleaning for Oxygen Service" or equivalent
industrial cleaning specifications.
Observe Safety Codes When Locating Oxygen Equipment
Before locating oxygen equipment, become thoroughly familiar with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Standard No. 50, "Bulk Oxygen Systems:, and with all federal, state and local safety codes. The NFPA Standard
covers the general principles recommended for the installation of bulk oxygen systems on industrial and institutional
consumer premises.