Miller Electric OM-230 Operations Instructions download pdf (Page 11)

OM-263 230 Page 9

terms of air at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. A change

in temperature, pressure, or oxidant concentration may vary the

flammable range considerably. Mixtures above and below the flammable

range do not ignite. As a precaution in handling flammables, care must

be taken to eliminate all possible sources of ignition through the proper

design of facilities, the installation of approved electrical systems, and

the restriction of smoking and use of open flames. An explosimeter

should be used to determine the existence of a flammable mixture in ar-

eas of suspected leakage.

B. Oxidant

A number of gases, although nonflammable, may initiate and support

combustion. Materials that burn in air burn more vigorously or even ex-

plosively in oxygen and certain other oxidants. All possible sources of ig-

nition must be eliminated when handling oxidants. Oxidants must not be

stored with combustible materials. Oil, grease, or other readily com-

bustible substances must not come in contact with cylinders or equip-

ment used in oxidant service.

C. Corrosive

Corrosives are those products that erode and deteriorate materials with

which they come in contact; such as metals, fabrics, and human tissue.

Some gases, although not corrosive in their anhydrous form, become

corrosive in the presence of water. Special care must be taken when se-

lecting the proper construction materials for equipment in which corro-

sives are handled. Gases that do not cause deterioration but induce in-

flammation of human tissue are irritants. Inflammation of the tissue may

occur after immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with the irritant.

Protective clothing and equipment must be used to minimize exposure to

corrosive or irritating materials.

D. Inert

Gases that at ordinary temperatures and pressure do not react with other

materials are classified as inert. If released in a confined area, inert gas-

es may displace the oxygen content of the air below the level necessary

to sustain life. Asphyxiation, therefore, is the hazard associated with inert

products. Adequate ventilation and monitoring of the oxygen content of

confined areas minimizes the possibility of asphyxiation.

E. Toxic

Toxic materials are those substances that may chemically produce injuri-

ous or lethal effects. The degree of toxicity and the effects vary with the

compound. Some gases are especially harmful because they do not pro-

vide adequate warning of their presence (by color, odor, etc.) at low lev-

els of concentration. Also, some products that are nontoxic in them-

selves may react with certain chemicals or decompose at elevated

temperatures to produce toxic materials. Adequate ventilation, protec-

tive clothing, and suitable breathing equipment must be used to minimize

exposure.

F. High Pressure

Specialty gases are compressed to pressures up to 6000 psig (4137

kPa). A sudden release of pressure may cause serious damage to per-

sonnel and equipment by propelling a cylinder or whipping a line. Factors

that must be considered when choosing construction materials and de-

signing gas−handling systems are the temperature, the pressure of the

gas, and the possibility of pressure buildup in the system.

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Miller Electric OM-230 Operations Instructions Page 11

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