Physical 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. 

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. 

Physical hazard of a chemical— A chemical validated as being or having one of the following characteristics combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, flannnable, organic peroxide, oxidizing qualities, pyrophoric, unstable, or water reactive. 

Millions of workers, homeowners, hobbyists, and educators handle and use gases in their daily activities. Most of those people have no technical expertise, yet they safely use potentially hazardous materials. Gases can be hazardous by virtue of pressure, flammability, oxygen deficiency, corrosivity, toxicity or other physical and chemical properties. The industrial gas industry and the Compressed Gas Association are proud that despite the range of hazards, the safety record of its products is among the best in industry. 

Physical State (as shipped) - All chemicals that are listed in Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46 are shipped as liquids. Other designations include liquefied gas, liquefied compressed gas, and solid. Where a compound may be shipped either as a liquid or solid, both designations are given. The reader should also refer to Title 49 of the CFRs for guidelines on the transportation of hazardous materials. 

Physical hazards. A substance can be classified as a physical hazard if it is a flammable or combustible liquid, a compressed gas, an explosive, an oxidizer, or is unstable or water-reactive. Many physical hazards are also health hazards, but substances are grouped in this category because they have the capability ofjcausing physical damage to material. 

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