3-8
SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES
0056-0114
SECTION 3:
INDUSTRIAL GASES
CAUTION
Fuel Gases may be toxic. Contact your gas supplier for the appropriate Material Safety
Data Sheet (MSDS) for each gas you use. The Hazardous Materials Regulations of the
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the transportation of industrial gases and
the cylinders used to transport them. Disposal of fuel gases may also be controlled.
Contact your local or state Department of Labor for further information.
3.01 OXYGEN
Gaseous chemical element, symbol: O; it is of great interest because it is the essential element in the
respiratory processes of most living cells and in COMBUSTION PROCESSES. It is the most abundant
element in the Earth’s crust. Nearly one fifth (in volume) of the air is oxygen.
Oxygen can be separated from air by fractionated liquefaction and distillation. One of the main
applications for oxygen is melting, and the refining and manufacture of steel and other metals.
Oxygen is required to support any burning process. It is, therefore, combined with a “fuel” gas to
produce the desired operating flame. Oxygen itself is not flammable. However, the presence of pure
oxygen will dramatically accelerate the burning process. Oxygen can easily turn a small spark into
a roaring flame or explosion.
WARNING
Never allow oxygen to contact grease, oil, or other flammable substances. Although
oxygen by itself will not burn, these substances become highly explosive and may ignite
and burn rapidly when supported by pure oxygen. Oil or grease combined with oxygen
may ignite or even explode without the presence of excessive heat or flame.
Oxygen is ordinarily supplied in standard drawn steel cylinders. The 244-cubic foot cylinder is the
most commonly used. Smaller and larger sizes are available. Full oxygen cylinders are normally
pressurized in excess of 2000 pounds per square inch. Determine oxygen cylinder contents by reading
the inlet pressure gauge on the regulator when in use. For example, half the full cylinder pressure
rating indicates half the volume (c/f) of oxygen remaining. The maximum fill pressure should always
be stamped on the cylinder.
Due to the high pressure under which oxygen is contained, cylinders must always be handled with
great care. THE POTENTIALLY VIOLENT REACTION OF OIL, GREASE, OR ALL OTHER CONTAMINANTS
IN THE PRESENCE OF OXYGEN CANNOT BE OVERSTRESSED. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY
EASILY RESULT IF OXYGEN IS USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR COMPRESSED AIR. Oxygen should
never be referred to as “air”.
Industrial Gases
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