Chemical hazards compressed gases

Compressed gases, therefore, present a unique hazard from their potential physical and chemical dangers. Unless cylinders are secured they may topple over, cause injury to operators, become damaged themselves and cause contents to leak. If the regulator shears off, the cylinder may rocket like a projectile or torpedo dangerously around the workplace. Other physical hazards stem from the high pressure of a cylinder s contents, e.g. accidental application of a compressed gas/air hose or jet onto an open cut or wound, whereby the gas can enter the tissue or bloodstream, is particularly dangerous. 

Ignitable Waste A liquid with a flash point less than 60°C (140°F), a waste which is an oxidizer, or ignitable compressed gas or non-liquid which is liable to cause fires through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical changes or when ignited bums so vigorously and persistently as to create a hazard. 

Some bromine compounds are covered specifically under Hazardous Materials Regulations. Other compounds may usually be shipped under the classification of chemicals, not otherwise indexed by name, without special requirements unless from their nature they would fall under a category such as combustible liquid, compressed gas, corrosive liquid (or solid), disinfectant liquid (or solid), dmg, dye intermediate (liquid), fire extinguisher, flammable gas (liquid or solid), insecticide, medicine, oxidizer or oxidizing material, poisonous liquid (gas or solid), solvent, or tear gas. Specific provisions apply to each of these categories and appropriate packaging and labeling are required. 

Label all chemical containers with hazard details and hazard warnings as flammable, corrosive, organic peroxide, oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive), water reactive, combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, acids, and/or incompatible. 

Physical hazard means a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive. 

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES generally stable rather inert chemically hazardous polymerization will not occur temperatures >400°F, including temperatures produced through adiabatic compression, heat, and flames will contribute to its instability does not attack glass or mercury at normal temperatures a very strong oxidant reacts with combustible and reducing materials FP (NA) LFL/UFL (NA) AT (NA) HF(-132.1 kJ/mol gas at 25°C). 

A few hydrocarbon derivatives from the alkyl-halide family are 2.2 nonflammable compressed gases. This illustrates the wide range of hazards of the alkyl halides as a group. Some are flammable, some are toxic, and some are nonflammable and nontoxic. They can still act as asphyxiants and displace the oxygen in the air. It is important to remember that the primary hazard of the alkyl halides is toxicity. Some of them are also flammable therefore, all must be assumed to be toxic and flammable until the individual chemical is researched and the actual hazards are determined. It is interesting to note that while the DOT lists tetrafluoromethane as a nonflammable, nonpoisonous gas, the Condensed Chemical Dictionary lists the compound as toxic by inhalation. The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards does not list the compound. The best source of information about this compound and others may be the MSDS (material safety data sheet). Examples of nonflammable Class 2.2 alkyl halides are tetrafluoromethane and trifluoromethane. 

This chapter identifies and consolidates existing user safety and health requirements found in DOE and other federal chemical-related safety and health regulations and national standards (especially those of the Compressed Gas Association (CGA)) applicable to all locations involved in the on-site transport of chemicals and chemical products (see def.). This includes hazardous materials offered for transportation on-site, and the packaging, labeling, or marking of hazardous materials for transportation on-site. State and local codes and requirements are not included. 

Compressed gases can expose the worker to both mechanical and chemical hazards, depending on the gas. Hazards can result from the flammability, reactivity, or toxicity of the gas, fi-om the possibility of asphyxiation, and from the gas compression itself, which could lead to a rupture of the tank or valve. 

Compressed gases must be handled and used only by trained persons. Employers must inform employees about chemical hazards by means of a hazard communication program, labels, and other forms of warning. Always consult the gas supplier s safety data sheets (SDSs) for specific information. 

Compressed Gas Association, 2001. Found in U.S. Chemical Safety Hazard Investigation Board. Safety Bulletin. Hazards of Nitrogen... 

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