Compressed Gases


Click here for the general use Standard Operating Procedure for compressed gases.

Summary: The risks associated with the use of laboratory chemicals must be well understood prior to their use in an experiment. As many chemicals have multiple hazards, ensure to review the safety guidance for all hazard classes that may apply.

Definition:

Per Cal/OSHA 8 CCR 5191, a compressed gas is defined as:

  • A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70° F (21.1°C); or
  • A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130° F (54.4°C) regardless of the pressure at 70° F (21.1° C); or
  • A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100° F (37.8° C) as determined by ASTM D-323-72.

Characteristics:

  • Compressed gases have inherent pressure hazards and can also create health hazardous and/ or flammable atmospheres.
  • Common hazard characteristics of gases include flammability, toxicity, and corrosivity. A few gases (i.e., silane, diborane, phosphine) are considered pyrophoric (will ignite spontaneously in air).
  • One additional hazard property common to all compressed gases is the substantial volume expansion when released to air. Gas release in an inadequately ventilated room can create an oxygen-deficient environment.

Examples:

  • Non-liquefied Compressed Gases: Nitrogen, Argon, Helium, Oxygen, Hydrogen
  • Liquefied Compressed gases: Chlorine, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, Dichlorane, Hydrogen bromide
  • Compressed Gases in Solution: Acetylene
  • Cryogenic Liquefied Gases: Nitrogen, Argon, Helium, Oxygen, Hydrogen

Information on Toxic Gases:
For additional information on gases classified as toxic gases and management responsibilities, go to http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/researchlab/lab/tgo/index.html

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