Introduction
 |
Many
industrial and laboratory operations require the use of compressed gases for a variety of
different operations. |
Compressed
gases present a unique hazard. Depending on the particular gas, there is a potential for
simultaneous exposure to both mechanical and chemical hazards. Gases may be:
- Flammable or combustible
- Explosive
- Corrosive
- Poisonous
- Inert
- or a combination of hazards
If
the gas is flammable, flash points lower than room temperature compounded by high rates of
diffusion present a danger of fire or explosion. Additional hazards of reactivity and
toxicity of the gas, as well as asphyxiation, can be caused by high concentrations of even
"harmless" gases such as nitrogen. Since the gases are contained in heavy,
highly pressurized metal containers, the large amount of potential energy resulting from
compression of the gas makes the cylinder a potential rocket or fragmentation bomb (The One That Got Away).
Careful
procedures are necessary for handling the various compressed gases, the cylinders
containing the compressed gases, regulators or valves used to control gas flow, and the
piping used to confine gases during flow.
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