CHART 1000 - Atmospheric and Chemical Hazards

4
Safety Product Manual - Perma-Cyl
®
w/ FlexFill™ Piping Option
water, exposure to extreme heat or re, and exposure to most
adverse weather conditions (earthquake, tornadoes, etc.).
Under no circumstances should a damaged container be left
with product in it for an extended period of time.
Prior to reusing a damaged container, the unit must be
tested, evaluated, and repaired as necessary. It is highly
recommended that any damaged container be returned to
Chart for repair and re-certication.
In the event of known or suspected container vacuum
problems (even if extraordinary circumstances such as
those noted above has not occurred), do not continue to use
the unit. Continued use of a cryogenic container that has a
vacuum problem can lead to embrittlement and cracking.
The remainder of this safety bulletin addresses those adverse
environments that may be encountered when a cryogenic
container has been severely damaged. These are oxygen
decient atmospheres, oxygen enriched atmospheres, and
exposure to inert gases.
Caution! Before locating oxygen
equipment, become familiar
with the NFPA standard No.
55 “Compressed Gases and
Cryogenic Fluids Code” (www.
nfpa.org) and with all local safety
codes.
Oxygen Decient Atmospheres
Warning! Nitrogen and argon vapors in air
may dilute the concentration of
oxygen necessary to support or
sustain life. Exposure to such
an oxygen decient atmosphere
can lead to unconsciousness and
serious injury, including death.
The normal oxygen content of air is approximately 21%.
Depletion of oxygen content in air, either by combustion
or by displacement with inert gas, is a potential hazard and
users should exercise suitable precautions.
One aspect of this possible hazard is the response of humans
when exposed to an atmosphere containing only 8 to 12%
oxygen. In this environment, unconsciousness can be
immediate with virtually no warning.
When the oxygen content of air is reduced to about 15
to 16%, the ame of ordinary combustible materials,
including those commonly used as fuel for heat or light,
may be extinguished. Somewhat below this concentration,
an individual breathing the air is mentally incapable of
diagnosing the situation because the onset of symptoms
such as sleepiness, fatigue, lassitude, loss of coordination,
errors in judgment and confusion can be masked by a state of
“euphoria,” leaving the victim with a false sense of security
and well being.
Human exposure to atmosphere containing 12% or less
oxygen leads to rapid unconsciousness. Unconsciousness can
occur so rapidly that the user is rendered essentially helpless.
This can occur if the condition is reached by an immediate
change of environment, or through the gradual depletion of
oxygen.
Most individuals working in or around oxygen decient
atmospheres rely on the “buddy system” for protection -
obviously the “buddy” is equally susceptible to asphyxiation
if he or she enters the area to assist the unconscious partner
unless equipped with a portable air supply. Best protection
is obtainable by equipping all individuals with a portable
supply of respirable air. Life lines are acceptable only if the
area is essentially free of obstructions and individuals can
assist one another without constraint.
If an oxygen decient atmosphere is suspected or known to
exist:
1. Use the “buddy system.” Use more than one “buddy” if
necessary to move a fellow worker in an emergency.
2. Both the worker and “buddy” should be equipped with
self-contained or airline breathing equipment.
Oxygen Cleaning
When replacing components, only use parts which are
considered compatible with liquid oxygen and have been
properly cleaned for oxygen service (Refer to CGA Bulletin
G-4.1 “Equipment Cleaned for Oxygen Service”). Do not
use regulators, ttings, or hoses which were previously
used in a compressed air environment on these tanks. Only
oxygen compatible sealants or Teon tape should be used on
threaded ttings. All new piping joints should be leak tested
with an oxygen compatible leak-test solution.
Caution! Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in serious
damage to the system and
personal injury.