Taylor-Wharton EF-1500 - Manual (Page 5)

BT-481 REV. B
5
Ten percent carbon dioxide in air can be endured for only a few minutes; twelve to fifteen percent
soon cause unconsciousness; twenty five percent may cause death if exposure lasts for several hours.
Carbon dioxide cannot be detected by the human senses and will be inhaled like air. Carbon
dioxide is heavier than air and will accumulate in low lying areas. Carbon dioxide concentrations
will be greater in these areas. If adequate ventilation is not provided, carbon dioxide may displace
normal air without warning that a life-depriving atmosphere is developing.
COVER EYES AND SKIN.
If released to atmosphere, liquid carbon dioxide will turn to carbon dioxide snow. Accidental contact of carbon dioxide
snow or cold gas with the eyes or skin may cause severe frostbite. Handle liquid so that it will no vent or spill. Protect
your eyes with safety goggles or a face shield, and cover the skin to prevent contact with snow or cold gas, or with cold
pipes and equipment. Protective gloves can be quickly and easily removed and long sleeves are recommended for
protection.
GROUND ALL PIPING.
The rapid discharge of liquid carbon dioxide through a line which is not electrically grounded will result in a buildup of
static electricity. Contact with this electrical charge could be startling and potentially dangerous to operating personnel.
Such lines should, therefore, be grounded before use.
NOTE: For additional information on properties of carbon dioxide and proper handling refer to CGA pamphlets G-6,
"Carbon Dioxide" and G-6.1, "Standard for Low Pressure Carbon Dioxide Systems at Consumer Sites". These
publications are available from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, 22202.
Safety Precautions for Liquid Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a gas which has no color, no odor, and practically no taste. It is obtained by thermal decomposition of
ammonium, which yields nitrous oxide and water. Due to the toxic impurities produced in this process, the water is
condensed out and the gas is passed through scrubbing towers to remove impurities.
Due to the difficulty of detecting nitrous oxide's presence, there is imminent danger of loss of consciousness and physical
inability to function if exposed to low levels of this gas, and death by asphyxiation if exposed to medium or high levels.
Since nitrous oxide is a non-toxic gas, these hazards are created when life-supporting oxygen is displaced and diluted. It
is imperative to maintain a well-ventilated work environment to minimize the danger from a leaking system or activated
safety relief device.
Accidental exposure or contact with skin or eyes can cause severe frostbite. Avoid contact with cold piping and
equipment as this can also cause personal injury. Protect eyes with goggles or shield, especially if there is a possibility of
liquid ejection or if cold gas may issue forcefully from equipment. Keep skin covered at all times.
Nitrous oxide is non-flammable but, as with oxygen, ignition of combustible materials may occur more readily in a
nitrous oxide-enriched atmosphere than in air with combustion proceeding at a faster rate. Open flame and smoking are
strictly prohibited.
For more detailed information concerning safety precautions and safe handling of nitrous oxide, consult CGA pamphlet
G-8.1, "Standard for Nitrous Oxide at Consumer Sites", and CGA pamphlet G-8.2 "Common Specification for Nitrous
Oxide". These publications are available from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Arlington, VA 22202.