asecos Main catalogue 2022 - Working safely with hazardous substances

RISKS AND HAZARDS Gases are indispensable in all industrial sectors, in testing and welding technology, but also in medicine and research. Therefore, it is important to know the specific hazards for all activities involving gases, and thus also for the storage of gases to take them into account and to consider them in the risk assessment. When flammable gases, but also other gases, are stored in pressurised gas containers – e.g. in pressurised gas cylinders, pressurised gas cartridges and aerosol dispensers – in workrooms, the risk of fire and explosion must be assessed as part of the risk assessment. The primary protection goal is to protect all containers for gases under pressure from excessive heating and the associated danger of bursting due to pressure build-up in the event of a fire. Furthermore, it must be assessed whether and to what extent explosion protection measures may be required in addition to fire protection. To realise these protection goals, safety storage cabinets with a defined fire resistance type according to the state of the art have proven themselves for years. What are the particular hazards of gases under pressure? 1. Gases that are heavier than air behave similarly to liquids and can flow and spread into shafts and/or cellars when they escape. 2. Cryogenic or liquefied gases can cause cold burns or injuries. Note: Wear specified personal protective equipment when handling these gases. 3. Gas containers under pressure can burst when heated above the permissible temperature (> 70 °C). What are the consequences and effects? ››› Pressure increase of the gas ››› The cylinder valve or the steel jacket of the gas cylinder can no longer withstand the increased internal pressure ››› Leakage of contents (flammable, oxidising, toxic, etc.) ››› Gas escapes uncontrollably, with high pressure and recoil, the gas cylinder can whirl around unmanageably ››› Uncontrolled detonation due to bursting of the cylinder at a temperature of approx. 310 °C ››› When bursting due to fire or damage, gas cylinders can become destructive projectiles that can travel several hundred metres Why must attention be paid to securing pressurised gas cylinders against falling over when storing them? Compressed gas cylinders can, especially the screwed-in cylinder valve, be mechanically damaged. Possible consequences: ››› Unnoticed gas leakage – even a quite „harmless“ gas such as nitrogen can displace oxygen from the room and lead to asphyxiation. ››› Flammable gases can cause explosive gas mixtures in cellar rooms, for example, which can be very easily ignited, e.g. by activating a light switch. ››› If the cylinder valve is torn off, the pressurised gas cylinder, driven by the highly pressurised gas, flies off/around. Fire and explosion hazards Health hazards Mechanical hazards Highest danger for all persons in the building and for rescue forces, who have to enter the building! Please observe local legislation and regulations. 240 Compressed gases

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